A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator, 5 September 1868—Sir Thomas Henry, the Chief Magistrate, has stated in the Bow-Street Court that "Government has determined to put down prize-fighting." Accord- ingly, Joseph Goss, who had arranged to fight for the championship, and Henry Allen, his opponent, have been arrested, and only released on entering into heavy recognizances, themselves in 5001., and their friends in 1,0001., to keep the peace. Goss on leaving the Court said he would enter into no prize-fight, but hoped if the "Ring" were sup- pressed "fighting with the fists would not be super- seded by some worse mode of settling grievances." It seems to be believed that the pugilists will acquiesce in the decision of Government, but the "end of the prize ring" has been announced too often for us to have much hope. The meetings will only be kept more secret, but even that is something gained.
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