22.—Belcher, rather recovered, obtained some little advantage.
23.—Belcher, still livelier, contended spiritedly, till they both fell and lay along on the ground.
24.—Belcher completely astonished his friends by his fine game and resolution, and obtained advantage in a desperate rally, when they both fell, quite exhausted.
25.—Tom’s excellence in the science of boxing was truly conspicuous in this round; his blows were well directed, but not effective.
26.—Sam, to avoid Tom’s favourite right-handed body blow, threw himself on his face.
27.—Sam received a heavy fall, after some irregular fighting.
28.—Belcher claimed considerable respect and attention, from the fine style in which he gained the superiority over his opponent, and also in giving Sam a very severe fall.
29 and 30.—Good rallies took place in both these rounds; rather in favour of Belcher.
From the thirty-first to the thirty-sixth round it was evident to the spectators that Belcher could not win. The onslaughts of Sam were tremendous in the extreme. He followed his opponent to all parts of the ring, putting in dreadful facers and body blows, dealing out punishment till his brave opponent fell, quite exhausted. His brother Jem took him out of the ring in the most feeble state, and placed him in a gentleman’s chariot. It was on the left side, from the kidneys to the crown of the head, where Tom was so severely beaten. Sam’s principal injury was a blow under the left eye, and some trifling marks. The Dutchman dressed himself with perfect indifference before he left the ring. The superiority of Sam’s hitting, and the severity of his blows, were visible throughout this battle. Belcher’s skill was apparent, but there was no comparison in the effectiveness of the two men’s mode of fighting.
Bill Cropley, as yet unconquered, challenged Dutch Sam for fifty guineas, and was accepted. The battle was fixed for April 5, 1808, the same day as that between Belcher and Dogherty, but the officers from Bow Street, appeared with special warrants, and took Sam and his opponent into custody; they were then bound over to keep the peace in four contiguous counties named in the bonds.