Rare 1860 Souvenir of the First World Boxing Championship America v England

Description

An exceedingly rare and historically important piece of Boxing history memorabilia, an 1860 engraved commemorative souvenir of
boxing's first "World Title" international boxing championship which took place on 17
th
April 1860 in Hampshire, England, between the English Champion, Tom Sayers, and the American Champion, John Carmel Heenan, which was billed as ‘ The Great Fight ‘. The
100% original 1860 hand water-coloured
engraving is
by renowned English engraver J. T. Wood.
The two contestants for this inaugural World Boxing Championship were the English Champion, 34 year old Tom Sayers, known as ‘ The Brighton Titch ‘ a ferocious 152 pound boxer, and the American Champion ( of Irish descent ), John Heenan, 25 years old and 195 pounds. Heenan like Sayers, was a formidable fighter, who around the San Francisco area had earned himself the nick-name of ‘ The Enforcer ‘. Standing 6 foot 2 inches Heenan towered over the 5 foot 8 inch Sayers, yet in the ring, they were remarkably well matched.
The bloody
42 round pugilistic bare-knuckle world championship classic, lasted an amazing 2 hours and 27 minutes, the basic rule being that the last man standing was the winner. However, after the grueling bloodied 42 round contest during which, Sayers broke his right arm and Heenan broke his left hand, and with neither fighter being willing to stop fighting and concede, the fight was officially declared a draw.
With the result being a draw,
the two boxers shared the substantial 400 gold sovereigns "purse". Sayers never fought again and was dead at 39, with more than 30,000 people attending his Highgate funeral in November 1865. Heenan died in poverty in Wyoming in 1873, aged 38.
This rare 5¾ x 4½ inch 1860 hand water-coloured engraving ‘ The Great Fight ‘ by the renowned English master engraver J. T. Wood, printed on heavy card, was one of his ‘ Conversation Cards ‘ and was printed at his workshop at 278 Strand, London.
Joseph Thomas Wood (1811-1876), born in London, was renowned for his high quality engravings, and many of his works are on display at the Guildhall Library and also the British Museum in London.
Not only is this listing a remarkable and exceedingly rare item of Boxing memorabilia, but also as an original 1860 engraving my English master engraver J. T. Wood, it is itself a rare and desirable artifact.
This listing comes with my 30 days full money back guarantee that this item is 100% genuine and authentic as described in the listing.
A logo ' austin1100 ' has been placed on the image, which does not appear on the buyer's original.
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