THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—From the scientific pretensions of Eales, it was generally expected the first round would clearly evince his superiority over his short and sturdy opponent. Scroggy, however, with the heroism of a British tar, boldly bore down to the assault. The display of Eales, although more scientific than effective, was much admired. Scroggins, equally anxious to commence the fight favourably, exhibited some degree of caution. Eales let go once or twice, but beyond effective distance; at length Scroggins put in a well directed blow under the left ear of his opponent, and, in closing, threw him. (The odds looked rather queer, and Scroggins was pronounced the favourite.)
2.—This round was decisively in favour of Scroggins, who exchanged blows with his opponent in the most gallant style of courage, till Eales was at length floored.
3.—Both the combatants were now alive to the interest of the scene in which they were engaged. A good rally occurred, and they returned and exchanged liberally; in the rally Eales went down.
4.—This was altogether a severe round. If Scroggins planted some severe blows, Eales returned punishment with equal courage. Strength was evidently on the side of Scroggins, who appeared merely getting into work; while Eales, on the contrary, showed symptoms of weak constitution, and fought till he again went down.
5.—Eales, notwithstanding his superior science, could not make that impression upon his opponent which was expected by his friends. He succeeded, it is true, in dexterously putting in some heavy blows, which the hardy tar was not a degree behind hand in returning, keeping up a battering rally, till his opponent went down.
6.—The strength of Eales did not keep pace with his judgment; he, nevertheless, evinced good pluck. This was a pantomimic round; altogether a piece of harlequin and clown antics all round the ring. Eales exerted his best skill to obtain a favourable turn, and a terrific rally ensued; but, in closing, the singularity of Scroggins excited roars of laughter. In throwing Eales he went down, then rolled over and over from his adversary till he rose upon his legs with all the comicality of a merry-andrew. Eales displayed weakness, and the odds were five to one on Scroggins.
7.—The combatants soon fought their way into a sharp rally, and the science of Eales prevailed to a certain extent, till Scroggins went down. (Applause.)
8.—A little discretion seemed necessary on both sides; some sparring occurred before a hit was made. Scroggins bobbed his head to avoid the threatened blows of his opponent, but returned fighting hand over head. The punishment was severe in this round, but reciprocal; however, Scroggins went down.
9.—The combatants attacked each other with the most determined resolution; anything like stopping was out of the question, till they both found themselves upon the ground. Eales could not lay claim to any advantage; neither had Scroggins the worst of it.