The Lobster Smack Inn was host to prize knuckle fighting. It
was not unusual to find a 'grudge match' in progress, due to a long-standing
dispute. Supposedly the outcome of such a fight would settle the paticipants'
disagreements once and for all. One such arrangement took place between
Ben Court, a champion between the years 1838-45, and Nat Langham.
Thought to have originated from a family feud, Court, aged 42, took
37-year-old Langham to the 60th round on 22 September 1853. Though still
on his feet, Langham had been knocked down no less than 59 times during
the fight. It may have been Langham's sheer determination to continue
fighting back at all costs that drew the match to an amicable conclusion
at this stage, for they decided to end it by shaking hands and made
up the quarrel.
Earning himself a title amongst islanders, Tom Sayers was pronounced
the greatest of them all and habitually fought on Canvey. In a dramatic
contest against Aaron Jones, on 19 February 1857, the fight was finally
declared a draw by the referee when it became too dark to see. The count
of the exact number of rounds on this occasion seem to be vague. Some
reckoned it lasted 62 rounds while others were just as unmovable in
their belief that it was over 65. However, the return match caused no
such dispute as Sayers won in the 85th round, when his opponent's seconds
threw in the sponge, declaring him the outright winner.
A championship fight held on 16th June 1858 between Sayers and Tom Paddock
lasted not nearly as long. In fact a mere 21 rounds drew the contest
to its conclusion, Sayers emerging victorious. Of course, there was
a considerable sum involved in this match, as, apart from the purse,
there was also a 300 sovereign side-stake. This may seem reason enough
to finish the bout speedily, but, just to show his opponent that he
possessed a truly sporting nature, Sayers collected £30 amongst
the spectators for the defeated Tom Paddock.
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