The more things change the same: Arguing about eras in the 18th Century

The World Fashionable Advertiser - September 21, 1787 (page 3)
BOXING
The method of Boxing, that is now become in vogue, is by no means new. It was frequently displayed on Broughton's Stage, by the bye-battle-men, and called, incontempt, street-fighting.
Of the other class, who were called main-battle-men, the principal were, Broughton, Stevenson, Taylor, Allen, Boswell, Smallwood, James, Slack and Hunt.—Hunt, who weighed no more than nine stone, six pounds, was unable to stand against any of the other main-fighters, but he has frequently beaten bye-fighters, who weighed siteen and seventeen stone.
The main-fighters derived much of their superiority from being able to use both hands with equal facility, either to stop, or strike straight. They also stoof on a very short guard, their feet being seldom half a yard asunder—and as the distance at which a blow can be put in, is always determined by the hind foot, an antagonist, who stood wide, was frequently within their reach, while they were out of his. Mr. St. George, is said to derive much advantage in fencing, from a short guard.
Broughton is the only remaining champion of the Old School. "Though past the service, he can the young ones teach"—and actually does teach them, without standing up to them, at his house at Lambeth. His price is five shillings a lesson.
Besides Broughton, the only scientific pugilists are Humphries and Mendoza—to whom we may perhaps add Ward of Bristol—though, like the rest of the Bristolians, he is somewhat wild and eccentric in his manner.
Humphries in the model, and has been the instructor, of most of the young men of fashion, who have learnt to box. He is acknowledged to be the best in England of his weight and inches, though now Mendoza seems disposed to step forward as his rival. His price is a guinea for six lessons.
Mendoza has a school in Houndsditch. His manner does not differ much from that of Humphries. Like him, he uses his left arm principally for the guard, and stands wide, like the bye-battle-men. Mendoza, however, uses other guards occasionally—but Humphries never. They also differ in this, that Humphries stops most of his antagonist's blows—while Mendoza gets away from them. Humphries stops chiefly with his elbow, by which means he breaks his adversary's knuckles—Mendoza with the flat part of the arm.
A fight is talked of between these two pugilists—and, if it takes place, it will certainly be on of the most interesting and best contested that has ever been exhibited upon a stage.
Ward also teaches in Bristol. He is allowed by some gentlemen of that town, sixteen shillings a-week, on condition that he fights no one without their concurrence.
Of the others, who have fought in public, Ben, the coal-heaver, commonly called Big Ben, stands first. His consequence, as a boxer, he derivesonly from his size and great strength.
Johnson, who is a corn-porter, he also distinguished himself for his athletic person. Though a practioner, he is no great proficient in the art of boxing.
Tring, the chairman of Mr. Bradyl, should be mentioned next. He fought Ben, and was beat by him—yet Mr. Bradyl, who is a connoisseur, says that he shall stand up to any man in England.
In addition to these, we may name Martin, who laurels were cropped by Mendoza, Bently, and Death, who are past their time,—besides Fry, Doyle, Smith, Cox, and others, whose merit principally consists in taking a severe drubbing, and giving occasionally a hard blow.
Among the Gentlemen Boxers, Captain Lloyd holds the first place. He was taught by Broughton; and Humphries has acquired no small part of his skill by sparring with him. Mr. William Lloyd, that gentleman's brother, is also an excellent Boxer.
Mr. Bradyl was mentioned as a connoisseur. It was he that first brought Humphries into notice. He is also the patron of Tring.
Major Hanger is very expert. He backed the Bath butcher, and approves of the shifting method, practiced by that unfortunate hero.
Sir Richard Simmons, Colonel Glover, Sir Thomas Apeece, and Captain Aston of the Guards, are likewise great amateurs of this science.

 

This is both way too interesting, and way too funny, not to bump