Round 1.—Scroggins with smiling confidence set-to, but Martin did not seem eager to go to work. Some long sparring occurred, when Scroggins hit first, which was returned by Martin. Some exchanges; the men closed, and Scroggy got Martin down. (Shouts of applause, and “Bravo Scroggins!”)
2.—The forehead of the Baker appeared rather raised, and Scroggy gave him another nobber with his right hand. The latter endeavoured to make a rush, but was stopped by a facer. The round was finished by some sharp fighting; both went down, Martin undermost.
3.—The Baker did not take the lead in that high style which had been anticipated. Scroggins, with much dexterity, planted a desperate hit on the side of the Baker’s right ear. Martin returned upon him, and they fought sharply at the ropes till both went down, and Martin undermost.
4.—Martin endeavoured to put in a sharp nobber, but Scroggy, smiling at his efforts, stopped it cleverly. In closing, both down, when Scroggins again got his opponent undermost. (Loud shouting, and “Go it, Scroggy.”)
5.—Martin put in some good hits, and followed Scroggins to the ropes, when the little one, with lion-hearted resolution, returned upon him and drove him back, planting some sharp blows. In struggling for the throw, Scroggins was undermost. (The high odds on the Baker had changed, and in many parts of the ring it was even betting.)
6.—Scroggins showed good science, and appeared not so easy to be got at as Martin had anticipated. The latter paused a good deal before he attempted to hit. After some milling on both sides, Scroggins got Martin down in the close, and undermost.
7.—Scroggins hit Martin twice, and sent him out of the ring. (Thunders of approbation, and “The little hero is as good as ever,” was the cry.)
8.—Although Martin did not perform what was expected, or smash his opponent off hand, yet ultimately it was thought he would be victorious. Scroggins hit and got away in good style. Martin again paused. At length they commenced fighting, and Scroggins’ nose was severely pinked. Both down, Scroggins undermost.
9 to 12.—Displayed no particular points, reciprocal in most instances; the youth and strength of Martin the principal advantages.
13 to 16.—The former three rounds displayed little variation; but the latter was excellent. Scroggins got Martin at the ropes in such a peculiar situation that he might have severely punished him with ease and effect, but disdained to take any advantage, holding up his hands and walking away. (Tumultuous applause from all parts of the ring at his manly conduct. But it was observed by the judges of pugilism that Scroggins had given a chance away, and this generosity might eventually lose him the battle.)