It does not appear from Richmond’s next legitimate match after his defeat by Tom Cribb, that our sable friend’s prowess was in very high esteem, for his next battle, Tuesday, April 11, 1809, was fought for ten guineas, at Coombe Wood, near Kingston, with “one Isaac Wood, a waterman,” who has no other chronicle in the chronologies but this black defeat. However, Pierce answers negatively for his “not being unacquainted with science,” and his “determined spirit.” The contemporary report is as follows:—
“At one o’clock the combatants arrived in post-chaises; a twenty-five feet ring was immediately formed, and at half past one the heroes entered, and set-to; Richmond seconded by Jones and Bob Clarke, and Wood by Tom Cribb and Cropley.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—A little sparring. Richmond threw in a left-handed hit on his opponent’s jaw. Wood rallied, but was thrown. (Odds seven to four on Richmond.)
2.—Wood hit; Richmond parried, and returned right and left. The men closed, and both fell.
3.—A good round. Wood rallied; some good hits exchanged. Richmond displayed great superiority in science, and again threw his opponent. (Odds two to one in his favour.)
4.—Richmond made play, and successfully planted a right-handed hit. Wood attempted to rally, but Richmond parried both right and left, when Wood was so much abroad, that he was milled round the ring, and thrown over the ropes. (Odds four to one on Richmond.)
5.—Wood made play, and rallied courageously. Hits exchanged at half-arm for half a minute, to the advantage of Richmond, who closed, and threw Wood again.
6.—Wood’s head now appeared dreadfully disfigured. Richmond rallied, but Wood evinced great weakness and fell.
7.—Both rallied, and Richmond threw Wood.