approbation of the gentlemen who shall be pleased to honour them with their company.
N.B.—There will be a BATTLE ROYAL between the
NOTED BUCKHORSE,
And SEVEN or EIGHT more; after which there will be several BYE-BATTLES by others.
Gentlemen are therefore desired to come by times. The doors will be open at nine; the
champions mount at eleven: and no person is to pay more than A SHILLING.
The appearance of this rival was a cruel blow to George Taylor, who saw the ruinous results which must ensue to his “booth” from Broughton’s popularity: he, therefore, as a counter hit, instantly let fly in the following terms:—
To the Patrons and Encouragers of the Manly Art of Boxing.
Whereas, Mr. Broughton, well knowing that I was to fight Mr. Field on Tuesday next, the 13th of March, 1743, in order to injure me, has maliciously advertised to open his Amphitheatre on that day, and where several battles are then to be fought. To prevent the public from being deceived, I feel it my duty to inform them, that the principal part of the persons mentioned were never made acquainted with such circumstances, and have no intention of so doing. Mr. Broughton wishes to make it appear that he never imposed upon any of the pugilists who had been concerned with him in any transaction whatever; but his imposition shall soon be made manifest to the world. And to show Mr. Broughton that I have no animosity against him as a pugilist, or any jealousy concerning his amphitheatre, I am willing to fight him, as soon as he may think proper, wherever it may please him, not regarding, as he loudly sets forth, the strength of his arm.
George Taylor.