Bill Richmond: The True Definition of P4P & One Of The 1st Great Pugilists

The 1st ever widely respected African American boxer and person period, especially during that era in England. Used his savvy and smarts to escape slavery, where he moved to England to serve under Lord Percy. He received a great education learning to read and became apprenticed in cabinet making. But, his true talent would soon be unmasked in 1796 as he broke on the scene in emphatic fashion by destroying George "Docky" Moore leaving him completely blind. Richmond had natural superior ability and all his skill and tactics were self-taught he quickly made his ascension up the London Prize rankings.

Weighing no more than 150 lbs which would equate to being a modern day Welterweight "The Black Terror" consistently fought men 20 to 40 lb's heavier to himself. He displayed excellent use of the sweet science by his use of clever defensive tactics of slipping and ducking and constantly shifting from side to side looking for counter opportunities, but don't let that fool you. Richmond on top of being a tremendous boxer was a devastating puncher and could win fights in brutal fashion and he often did. Becoming a relative legend in England it wasn't too long before Richmond wanted a crack at the crown, which was held by the 6' ft 14 and 10 stone mountain Tom Cribb. Cribb is held in high regard and it is often said that he could hold his own against many of the greats at the heavyweight class. His promoter Camelford and most of England laughed at the idea of putting him in the ring with Cribb. But after Camelford was killed Richmond jumped at the opportunity.

In October of 1805 in front of a crowd of over 10,000 the sporting event of the era would indeed take place. Although Richmond would go on to lose the bout he made a terrific account himself. Although being near 20 yrs older in age and outweighed by close to 40 lb's Richmond bought Cribb to the brink in a brutal 60 round classic displaying a excellent display of pugilism by clearly outboxing Cribb for over 10 rounds before Cribb's physical advantages began to take effect. He would retire after this bout and go on to create his own boxing academy where he would meet his protege Tom Molineaux who he would train in his classic meetings with the great Tom Cribb...but that's another story.

All in all, Bill Richmond was one of the 1st fighters (next to Mendoza) who showed a superior skill of the sweet science that allowed him to consistently fight and defeat men with physical superiority. Though it seems Richmond has almost been forgotten by boxing history I feel it is important for his legacy to be remembered and celebrated as it truly deserves. As the best boxing journalist of the era Pierce Egan said "He's an extraordinary man."


Thoughts & Opinions

 

After his early success he spent too much time partying and doing rude acts with all of the White English women. Richmond approached him about it and gave him some advice on how to properly carry himself but was unsuccessful.

 

No problem:good

 

That would be Tom Molineaux, Richmond's protege.

 

He always had savvy and intelligence which he learned and picked up on in his environment as a young slave, also how he won over Lord Percy.