6.—Studd, rather desperate, fought his way into a rally, and made one or two hits at random; but Shelton, with the utmost ease, milled him down. (All betters, but no takers.)

7.—Shelton hit his opponent all over the ring, and sent him down as heretofore.

8.—On coming to the scratch, it was evident the countryman could not last long. He appeared to be much better acquainted with thrashing corn than entering the prize ring. This Johnny Raw, it would seem, had flattered himself that the possession of strength was the main qualification for making a win, but he paid dearly for his erroneous notions. The science of Shelton rendered him so much at ease, that he treated the attempts of Studd with the utmost contempt—he hit him all round the ropes, and then finished the round by planting a floorer.

9 and last.—The farmer was completely satisfied that he had no chance whatever, and resigned the contest. Shelton retired from the ring without a mark upon his face, or a blow of any consequence. Studd was much punished, and his optics in a damaged state. This combat did not exceed thirteen minutes and a half.

Owing to some private pique, a match was made between Shelton and Richmond, which was decided at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, the 1st of August, 1815, in which Shelton was defeated. Shelton, it seems, had received some instructions from Richmond. See page 298, ante.

Soon after this encounter, Shelton was visited by a severe illness, and so reduced in weight and strength that it was supposed he would never again enter the ring. He became a publican, by the aid of his friends, at the Bull’s Head, Cow Lane (since West Street), Smithfield, but his gambling propensities caused his failure in this line. In March, 1819, however, the following battle, which took place on the spur of the moment, tended to raise Shelton’s fame highly in the esteem of the amateurs. Shelton (who had been seconding Hickman) was induced to fight a nephew of Ben Burn, the pugilist, a giant by comparison, weighing nearly, if not quite, sixteen stone, for a subscription purse of twenty guineas. Shelton was much out of condition, but on the match being proposed to him, he instantly accepted it; he however advised his friends to be careful about backing him. Spring and Richmond seconded Burn, and Oliver and Harmer picked up Shelton.

TOM SHELTON.
From a Drawing by G. Sharples, 1821.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—On stripping, the Yorkshireman proved indeed a giant; the comparison between Shelton and his opponent was nearly similar to the memorable contest between Perrins and Johnson.[[153]] Although the face of Burn had no terrific aspect, his bulk was truly formidable. The spectators expressed their fears for the result, and the general opinion was that Shelton had shown more pluck than judgment, and that he must soon be disposed of. Upon setting-to, this opinion was, in a great degree, strengthened. Burn bored in upon Shelton with confidence, and the former seemed quite overwhelmed by this mode of attack, and had no room to make a hit. The length of arm possessed by Burn gave him every advantage; he aimed a dreadful chopper at Shelton’s nob, which told but slightly. The latter, in a most singular manner, in getting away turned round twice. He, however, planted a facer, but slipped down. (“It’s all up,” was the cry; and seven to four was offered upon the “big one,” without hesitation.)