Remarks.—Few, if any, remarks are needed upon the above contest. Cabbage belonged to the same school as Scroggins, depending upon rushing forwards, and was positively a chance hitter. His left hand was always open, and he continually hit round the neck of Martin. It was thought that Cabbage would never be able to cut any figure amongst the London boxers, and it was also urged, from the above specimen, that he was the worst pugilist from the renowned Bristol nursery. Martin, in winning this fight, raised himself considerably in the estimation of the fancy. He was extremely ill, very weak, and not fit to fight.
One evening, in the month of June, 1820, it appears that six well-dressed blackguards were returning from the Coburg Theatre,[[162]] about eleven o’clock, and for a “bit of a lark” endeavoured to take a respectable young woman from her husband, when the latter in the most manly way resented the insult, but was overpowered by numbers. The Master of the Rolls was accidentally passing at the time with a friend. The latter immediately remonstrated with the “dandies” upon the impropriety of their conduct, but he received a facer for his interference, and one or two of the party also struck at the Master of the Rolls. This was enough, or rather too much, for Martin. He let fly his right on the nob of the first that approached him, and the dandy went down as if he had been shot; the second shared the same fate; the third was no better off; the fourth came in for “pepper;” the fifth got a severe “quilting;” and the sixth received for his insolence so severe a blow on his mouth as to dislodge some of his ivory. It was truly laughable to see the ridiculous pickle these bullies were in, the claret trickling down their cheeks, and holding their hands up to their heads. When Martin’s friend exclaimed, “Go it, Martin, give it them,” the name operated like a thunder-clap upon their nerves, and they bolted like race-horses in a sauve qui peut. Martin lost part of his coat in the scuffle, but did not receive a scratch upon his person.
The charms of a purse of £50, given by the Pugilistic Club, at Norwich, and also £25 a-side, induced Martin to enter the ring with Sampson (denominated the Birmingham Youth), at North Walsham, sixteen miles from the above city, on Monday, July 17, 1820, immediately after the battle between Oliver and Painter. Sampson was seconded by Turner, and Paul from Manchester. Martin was attended by the Champion of England and Spring. The odds were six to four on Martin; in fact, it was almost booked that he must win.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Martin appeared in prime condition, and his legs being decorated in ribbed silk stockings, gave him an attractive appearance. Sampson was also well, but had too much of the greyhound about his loins, to indicate the possession of strength. Sampson did not appear so eager to go to work as had been anticipated, and a considerable pause occurred before any blows were attempted to be made. At length Martin made an offer with his left hand, but Sampson got away. Another long pause, when Sampson put down his hands as if tired. Martin made another attempt to hit, but Sampson again retreated. A sort of rush took place between the combatants; some sharp hits were exchanged, and, in closing at the ropes, Martin fibbed his opponent, and also put in a heavy blow on Sampson’s neck, when both went down. (Loud shouting, and seven to four on Martin.)
2.—Martin now stood to no repairs, but rushed in upon Sampson. Some exchanges occurred, when, in closing, Martin pulled down his opponent, and fell heavily upon him.
3.—This was a sharp round, and something like pepper occurred on both sides. Severe fibbing at the ropes, and, in struggling for the throw, Sampson was undermost.
4.—The claret was now trickling down both their faces, and one of Martin’s peepers appeared rather damaged. The latter run in, and endeavoured to put in a most tremendous facer, but missed his aim, and had nearly slipped down. Martin, however, caught hold of Sampson, and ran him down. (Two to one on Martin; but some marks of disapprobation were expressed by the Johnny Raws.)
5.—Sampson missed a hit, and went round. Martin slipped down in running after him, but got up again, when some sharp blows were exchanged, till both of them went down. Thirteen minutes had elapsed.
6.—Sampson had been very busy, and Martin’s face exhibited some severe punishment. His left eye was bleeding. Both down.