The above fight also, it seems, rather tended to reduce than raise Martin’s character as a pugilist. Indeed, so much so that David Hudson was matched against Martin with the utmost confidence for fifty guineas a side. This match took place at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, October 24, 1820.
Bright Sol put the fanciers all in high spirits, and the swells and kids left their beds with the expectation of having a gay milling day. Moulsey Hurst, that delightful spot for a scientific contest, was again the appointed place to muster, and the Bonifaces along the road, as soon as the office was given, were seen rubbing their hands, their mugs smiling with glee, and upon the look-out to welcome the old faces once more to their houses. The Daffy Club, with its president, gave Bill Just a turn, at the Half-way House, the Waggon and Horses, Kew Bridge, and Bob Lawrence’s, at Hampton, were overflowing with company in every part. The road, at an early period, exhibited lots of vehicles, and when the rain came on the lads were too game even to mention it, except observing one to another, “Push along, keep moving.” In a heavy shower of rain, at half-past one, Martin appeared, and threw his hat in the ring, but the high wind blew it out. Martin did not like this omen; he went and picked it up, and again threw it in the ring. Dav. Hudson appeared soon afterwards, and threw his hat also in the ring. Both the combatants were loudly applauded. Owen and Belcher were the seconds for David Hudson; and Randall and Spring officiated for Martin. The odds were in favour of Hudson; in fact, it was booked to a certainty that the latter must win, and nothing else. Five and six to four against Martin. Hudson tied his colours, the yellow-man, to the stakes, Tom Owen, observing, at the same time, he was the best little man in England; and Spring tied the blue handkerchief for Martin over them.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, both men appeared in the highest condition. Numerous as prize-fights have been, one of the greatest novelties occurred in the first round that had been witnessed. The men stood before each other for upwards of seven minutes in attitude, without making an attempt to hit. The steadiness of Martin was beautiful, and his length was so impressive that Hudson was all caution, and did not like to give the first blow. The latter was at length tired, and put down his hands, saying, “Martin, if you do not give a hit, I shall wait all day.” Hudson, however, made an offer, and Martin got away. Hudson again made a hit, which Martin stopped, and, in return, with his left hand he gave the latter a facer. The combatants closed, but broke away, when Martin nobbed his opponent in style. Another close took place, and, in breaking away, Martin had again the best of his opponent. Some blows were exchanged, and, in closing, both down. The shouting was loud on both sides; but Martin was the favourite ten to seven. This round occupied ten minutes.
2.—The superiority of Martin not only astonished the ring, but Hudson could not reach him; his right hand, in all his former fights, was dreadful, but he now used his left hand with equal facility. He drew the first blood on Hudson’s right cheek; but, in closing, both down. (“Martin for £100.”)
3.—The goodness of Hudson was the praise of the ring, but he was overmatched. Martin was nearly a stone heavier than his opponent. The length of Martin enabled him to put in facers with ease, but Hudson returned, and got Martin down. (Loud shouting.)
4.—This was a short round, and ultimately in favour of Martin. Both down.
5.—Hudson showed he was not deficient in strength, and, in closing this round, he threw Martin with considerable dexterity.
6, 7.—The confidence of the amateurs began to forsake them, and Martin was the hero of the tale; his steadiness and fine fighting quite astonished all present; in fact, he was quite a general, till both down.
8.—Hudson received a dreadful blow on the top of his nose, which produced the claret instantly; but he attacked Martin with all the gameness of a man determined to obtain victory, till the round finished. Both down. (Seven to four on Martin.)