Historic Newspapers: Boxing
We sell original, historic newspapers featuring coverage of some of the great moments in the sport of boxing. Whether it is called boxing, prize-fighting, pugilism, or by some other name, the engagement of two people in a contest of strength, quickness, endurance, etc., using either gloved or bare hands, has captured the imagination of onlookers and participants since the beginning of time. Finding reports of such encounters within newspapers dates back into the 18th century. John Jackson vs. Daniel Mendoza, Jim Jeffries vs. Jim Corbett, Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali, and more... enjoy the following authentic reports spanning 3 centuries:
Found 321 Results
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Item #615424THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, July 23, 1788 The bottom of pg. 2 has: "Doyle, the famous boxer, was yesterday committed by the Magistrates at Bow St. for assaulting a gentleman in Covent Garden...". Other news of the day & a wealth of ads.
Four pages, nice condition. -
Diseases of the teeth...
Item #577585THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, December 26, 1788. Page three has content related to boxing (see images). Four pages, folio size, very nice condition. Also included on the back page is a lengthy discussion on "A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of the Teeth" - nice for dentistry interest. Partial red-ink stamp on... Read full description -
Item #619937THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Aug. 28, 1789
* 18th century boxing
Page 3 has an early item on a boxing match, noting: "A boxing match is to be fought...between Bullard and Brighton, two Suffolk men, for 50 pounds a side, in which it is expected many hard blows will be given as they are very powerful men & upwards of... Read full description -
Item #616590THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Oct. 21, 1789
* Isaac Perrins vs. Tom Johnson
* English boxing championship
Page 3 has an article headed: "Boxing" concerning: "...the battle between Johnson and Perrins..." with some details (see).
Four pages, partial red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.
wikipedia notes: ... Read full description -
Item #698986THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1790
* Daniel Mendoza - The fighting Jew
The back page has: "...Sir Sampson compelled Mr. Mendoza to give bail for his good behavior in future, which he did, himself in a penalty of 200 pounds...Thus the rage for boxing has received a very proper check...to be hoped the magistrates... Read full description -
Item #600204THE MORNING POST, AND DAILY ADVERTISER, London, April 13, 1790
* 18th century boxing
A very nice full folio-size newspaper of 4 pages with the entire front page taken up with ads. Pages 2 & 3 have various news of the day with the back page having mostly ads.
Page 2 has a report on a upcoming boxing match. See image for text.
Nice condition. -
Item #613364THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 24, 1790
* Early boxing match
* One arm tied up
Page 3 has an early article on: "Boxing" concerning: "...the one-armed soldier...and a chimney-sweeper, who differed a little with each other in politics & parties...agreed to decide their dispute by a pitched battle in... Read full description -
Item #590354COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, October 30, 1790 Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport (see photos). Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling", "King of France's Demand", "the Art of Joking", "King of Sweden" and other items.
Complete in 4 pages,... Read full description -
Item #686767COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 30, 1790
* 18th century bareknuckle boxing
Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport. The match is between "Big Ben" and the "Tinman".
Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling" "King of France's Demand" "the Art of... Read full description -
Item #677415THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796 Page 2 has a curious report: "Amorous Fracas!" The report from Ireland begins: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion...having made some noise....we are happy to lay the cats and the consequences before our readers..."... Read full description -
Item #611422NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, July 30, 1811
* Tom "The Moor" Molineaux
* African-American bare-knuckle boxer
Page 3 has a one paragraph report about a boxing match near London between Molineux, the famous black man from New York, and a young Englishman named Rimmer. The report states in part: "...In the course of 15 minutes the black pounded... Read full description -
Item #675246PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 24, 1857 A rather famous sporting newspaper, with a sporting-themed masthead, calling itself: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". This is a volume one issue.
Reports are headed: "The Turf" "Draught Of The Seine" "Our Chess... Read full description -
Item #675271PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 14, 1857 Under the heading: "Out-Door Sports" are two letters to the editor from Troy, N.Y., concerning the "old game of wicket". It includes a quite small diagram of the "ground plan" of the game.
Under "Fistiana" (boxing) is a detailed report:... Read full description -
Item #596515PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 14, 1857 Various literary content but there is also sporting reports near the back, including: "Trotting at Fairs" "Fistiana" which is boxing; "Our Chess Department" "Out-Door Sports" including cricket and a "ball match". I believe the latter to be... Read full description -
Item #544497PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 28, 1857.
* Chess
As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume 1 issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in... Read full description -
Item #574795PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 4, 1857.
* Chess
As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in... Read full description -
Item #571043PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 11, 1857 As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. An article "Base Ball" has the announcement of the elected officers for the Excelsior Base Ball Club of... Read full description -
Item #606473NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, August 4, 1857
* Pre-Civil War boxing - prize fight
* Dominick Bradley vs. S.S. Rankin
* Buffalo, New York
Page 5 has an article headed: "The Great Prize-Fight Between Bradley and Rankins". See images for text.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor spine wear, otherwise nice. -
Item #719248SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Dec. 5, 1857
* Pre-Civil War sporting - hunting publication
"A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage" which features an engraving of a horse racing scene in the masthead.
Although this eclectic title covers all the fields noted in the masthead, horse racing... Read full description -
Item #172198HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 16, 1858 The front page features a half page illustration of "Gerard Hallock, Esq." with accompanying article. Inside full page illustration of "The Destruction of the New York Crystal Palace by Fire, October 5.1858" and a half page illustration of "The Ruins of the Crystal... Read full description -
Item #682725NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 20, 1858 Page 4 has nearly a full column report on: "The Prize Fight Today" between Morrissey and Heenan (The Benicia Boy). Column subheads include: "Morrissey and the Benecia Boy--Condition of the Men--Who Will be Champion--How the Betting Ranges--Amount of Money Staked".... Read full description -
Item #606765THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 20, 1858
* John Heenan "Benicia Boy"
* Pre Civil War boxing w/ police raid
* Jews Hospital - Mount Sinai
The front page has an article headed: "Fight Between the 'Bencia Boy' and 'Dublin Tricks'--The Latter Badly Beaten" See image for text here.
Eight pages, minor spine wear, nice condition. -
Item #695735SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 30, 1858 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Page 5 has: "The Great Prize Fight" which provides a round-by-round report of the boxing match between John Morrissey and John C. Heenan.
Page 7 has a brief item: "New Base Ball... Read full description -
Item #172202HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 30, 1858 The front page features a half page illustration of "Mademoiselle Piccolomini" with accompanying article. Inside two 1/4 page illustration of "The Late Rev. John Sawyer, of Bangor, Maine" and "General Paez, of Venezuela." Half page illustration of... Read full description -
Item #696352WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Nov. 12, 1859 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Two-thirds of a page are taken up with reports headed: "Base Ball" with text and box scores for 10 games. Also a report under:... Read full description -
Item #696350WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Nov. 26, 1859 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Inside has: "Fistiana - The Championship of the World--Heenan vs. Sayers".
This article was in anticipation of what is considered the first... Read full description -
Item #695721WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 7, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers (pre-fight)
* First World boxing championship match
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Inside has more than a page taken up with: "Life And Battles Of Tom... Read full description -
Item #695732WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 14, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Inside has most a page taken up with:... Read full description -
Item #695718WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 4, 1860 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
Various reporting on the historic boxing match of the day between Tom Sayers and John Heenan, 'The Benicia Boy' including... Read full description -
Item #695717WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 11, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
This issue has a great deal of reporting on the historic... Read full description -
Item #696359WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, A consecutive pair of issues for Feb. 18 and 25, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage".
With the world title boxing... Read full description -
Item #680899NEW-YORK TRIBUNE, April 30, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* Famous boxing match - fight
Appearing at the top of the first column on pg. 6 are headlines reporting one of the most famous boxing matches of the nineteenth century involving John Heenan, the American champion, and Tom Sayers, the English champion.
In the third... Read full description -
Item #716544NEW YORK TIMES, April 30, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* Famous boxing match - fight
Six of 7 back page columns are taken up with one of the more historic boxing matches of the 19th century.
The top of the first column has heads: "The Great Fight" "Full Particulars" "Thirty-Seven Rounds... Read full description -
Item #172360HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 5, 1860 The prime feature of this issue would have to be the great doublepage centerfold print captioned: "Bloody, Brutal, and Blackguard Prize-Fight In England, Between Heenan and Sayers, On April 17, 1860" which shows hundreds of spectators.
This historic boxing match is... Read full description -
Item #617234THE NEW YORK HERALD, May 29, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* 1st boxing championship dispute
Pages 3 has an article headed: "The Championship" "Settlement of the Heenan and Sayers Affair" Both To Have Belts" with subheads. (see)
Other news of the day. Complete in 12 pages, a little irregular along spine,... Read full description -
Item #690610NEW YORK HERALD, May 31, 1860 Page 3 has: "Seizure of Another Supposed Slaver" with subhead: "Seizure of the Steamer City of Norfolk, Suspected of Fitting Out For the Slave Trade".
The top of page 7 has a report: "Capture of Another Slaver Off the Coast of Cuba" which is... Read full description -
Item #698262WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, June 2, 1860
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* Famous boxing match
A terrific issue on the famed boxer John Heenan, as the entire front page is taken up with a print of him captioned: "John C. Heenan, The Champion of the World".
The print was taken from a photo of... Read full description -
Item #617381THE NEW YORK HERALD, July 16, 1860
* American boxer John C. Heenan
* Boxing champion welcome home
The front page has an article headed: "The Return Of Heenan" "The Champion Of The World At Home" "The Bencia Boy On Staten Island" and more.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, a little irregular along the... Read full description -
Item #545067WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, January 4, 1862.
* Billiards
Page five of this issue includes a rather lengthy article concerning boxing entitled: "Billiards - Kavanagh and Foley, Proposed Match".
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the... Read full description -
Item #546330WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 8, 1862.
* Salt
* Boxing
This issue contains a rather lengthy article concerning "the Salting of the Streets of Philadelphia", which goes into some detail about the benefits of salt.
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the... Read full description -
Item #544663WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 15, 1862.
* Billiards
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "Billiards" includes accompanying subheads entitled: "The Foley and Kavanagh Match", "The Match of 1859", and much more.
Another article found within this issue... Read full description -
Item #544706WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 22, 1862.
* Billiards
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "Billiards". Accompanying subheads include: "Kavanagh and Deery", "Billiard Entertainment", and much more.
Another article found within this issue... Read full description -
Item #635479WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, March 1, 1862.
* Chess
This issue contains an article entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
Some Civil War reports can also be found as well as other sports items, including boxing, horse racing, and... Read full description -
Item #544660WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, May 24, 1862.
* Boxing
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "The Ring in England" features the "Conclusion of a Fight Between Gannon and Hatton". An additional subhead discusses a fight between Cook and Kenny.
... Read full description -
Item #544982WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, July 12, 1862 The front page of this issue features an illustration captioned: "The Two First Premiums", which accompanying subheads: "Bloodhound and Black and Tan Terrier" and "The Recent London Dog Show".
Page three of this issue includes a rather lengthy... Read full description -
Item #675347WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, July 26, 1862 Basically a sports-themed newspaper. Inside has 2 1/2 columns taken up with reports on: "Base Ball" games and developments. Included are box scores for 9 games.
Other sports reports as well including for: "Fistiana" (boxing).
Sixteen pages,... Read full description -
Item #598325NEW YORK HERALD, December 22, 1863
* John C. Heenan vs. Tom King
* Boxing collectible
This 8 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page: "THE GREAT PRIZE FIGHT", "Reports from Heenan and King to the 7th Instant", with subheads that include: "THE PRIZE RING" and more. Provides considerable pre-fight... Read full description -
Item #605566NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 22, 1863 Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "Our Iron-Clad Fleet" "Rebel Reports from Charleston" "Rumored Disaster to the New Ironsides and Two Monitors" "The New Ironsides Entangled in a Net" "Important If True" and more. Also a report of the boxing... Read full description -
Item #648525THE NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 26, 1863
* John Heenan vs. Tom King
* One of the greatest fights of the 19th century
* Heenan's last fight... was he cheated... drugged?
The front page has nearly two columns of reporting regarding the famous (or infamous?) champion prize-fight between John Heenan and Tom King. Heenan... Read full description -
Item #206228Harper's Weekly, various dates from September 1, 1866 through November 18, 1876. This is a six issue set of Harper's Weekly containing various prints pertaining to events and/or buildings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The set provides more than a 10% discount over purchasing the issues individually. This is a great set of issues for... Read full description
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
