To return to Oliver and Shelton. The men and their friends met at Riddlesdown, and it was formally agreed to meet at Sawbridgeworth, which they did on the 13th January, 1820, when, after a desperate battle, full of fluctuations, Shelton was defeated in fifty-one minutes (See Oliver, post).
The particulars of Tom’s match with George Cooper, and his defeat at Moulsey, June 27, 1820, will be found in the memoir of George Cooper, ante, p. 314.
On Tuesday, August 18, 1820, at a place called Kit’s Cotty House, about three miles and a half from Maidstone, a purse of £20 was subscribed for a match between Shelton and a big navigator; but in consequence of the latter not appearing in the ring to “show fight” at the appointed time, £10 were given to Shelton.
Carter had been for a few months in Ireland, on a sparring tour, but, on his return, he did not seem much improved in purse or person by the trip. Finding himself in company with Shelton, at a sporting dinner, held at the Brown Bear, Bow Street, the Lancashire Champion spoke disparagingly of Shelton’s capabilities; some discussion followed, and twenty pounds being posted, Shelton replied to the boasting challenge by accepting it instanter. The affair was short, but by no means sweet to Carter, for Shelton beat him to a stand-still in three rounds only. This was on the 10th of July, 1821.
The renowned Josh. Hudson was next matched with our hero, for £100 a-side; the battle was decided at Harpenden Common, near St. Alban’s, on the 10th of December, 1822.
About a quarter before one, Josh. Hudson, stylishly dressed, with white silk hose, and his drawers on ready for action, threw his white topper into the ring with the confidence of a winning man, followed by his seconds, Randall and Tom Owen. He paced up and down the ring for a considerable time, when Shelton was called for, but he did not appear. At length Randall, rather out of temper, said, “It was an unmanly action to keep his man waiting so long in the cold; and if it was for his money he would take Hudson out of the ring.” Tom Cribb soon after showed himself, when Shelton was discovered crossing a wagon, followed by Tom Belcher as his second. Shelton, in a very cool manner, threw his hat into the ring, and immediately went up and shook hands with his opponent. The colours, blue for Shelton, were tied to the stakes by Belcher; and green, for Hudson, were tied over Shelton’s by Tom Owen. The odds had changed since the fight was made, and Hudson was decidedly the favourite.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Hudson never appeared in finer condition; but the judges of training observed he was at least a stone heavier than he ought to be. Shelton was a complete star; in fact, he could not be better. His attitude on setting-to was equal to any boxer ever seen in the prize ring. Hudson did not, as was expected, “go to work” sans ceremonie, but viewed his opponent with much caution, and Shelton was equally circumspect. The latter, however, made a feint with his right hand, which fell short; but this was merely a ruse de guerre for Josh to commence fighting. Hudson slightly touched Shelton’s ear, when he went in—a scramble occurred, but no blows took place. Both went down, and Shelton undermost. (Loud shouting from the East-enders, and six to four on Josh.)
2.—Shelton smiled, scratched his nob, and made himself well up for mischief; the result was, a little pepper on both sides on each other’s mugs, till Josh, by a severe hit on the top of Shelton’s nose, sent him off his balance, and he fell down on his left knee; but, with considerable game, he instantly jumped up to renew the charge. Hudson, however, thought he had done enough, and sat down on Randall’s knee. (“It’s safe as the bank,” said Owen; and the East-enders offered to back their hero to any amount.)
3.—Hudson was endeavouring to come ditto, but Shelton’s right hand stopped him. It was a severe round on both sides, till both went down, Hudson undermost.