The three fights between Mendoza and Richard Humphreys in the late 18th century (Mendoza won the last two) took back-street brawling to a more official level with features such as a specially built ring with tiered seating for spectators.
That ring with both boxers was pictured in a coloured stipple engraving by Joseph Grozer (1755-99) after J Einsle titled Boxing Match between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza at Odiham in Hampshire, on the 9th January 1788. An example was offered at Dorset saleroom Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) on August 22-23. Estimated at £1000-1500, the 16½ x 19in (42 x 49cm) image sold for £1400.
It came from the Sparrow Harrison collection of boxing memorabilia. Harrison, himself a light middleweight, was a lifelong member of Denbigh Boxing Club and captain of Belsize Boxing Club in London for 10 years.
