Black Period Revised: George Millsom "The Baker" Part I

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by BitPlayerVesti, Nov 29, 2018.


  1. BitPlayerVesti

    BitPlayerVesti Boxing Drunkie Full Member

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    Continuing from
    George Meggs "The Collier"

    It should be noted, the books call George Millsom "The Baker" but the reports I've found thus far call him "The Collier", and it actually appears that Meggs may have been referred to as "The Baker".

    Historically Millsom was perhaps the most enigmatic of the tradional lineage, however I number of reports I have dug up gives more information on him and his pugilistic career, particularly with some later contests which we shall get to eventually.

    I will include reports from around the time he is thought to have initially reigned.
    Oxford Journal - Saturday 10 March 1764
    Yesterday Afternoon a very severe Battle was fought in the Spaw Field, near Sadler’s Wells, between two redoubted Covent Garden Heroes, one of whom is well known by the Name of Tom Thumb. The Odds ran greatly in Favour of this Champion, but after Boxing some Time, he received such a desperate Fall from his Antagonist, that it fractured his Skull, whereby the Knowing Ones were plaguily taken in.
    1764 also saw John Riddell fight, who the Derby Mercury of Thursday 26 May 1785 claimed was undefeated, and an advert for Jack Slack returning to the ring, though I have yet to see a report of the result.

    Oxford Journal - Saturday 17 November 1764
    On Monday last a Battle for Twenty Guineas was fought at Castle Bromwich, between Reddel and Dallaway, two famous Champions both of Birmingham; when Reddel proved Victorious, after an obstinate Contest of near Twenty Minutes ; in which he acquired vast Reputation as a Bruiser, as well for his coll Intrepidity, as the forcible Judgment with which he placed his Blows. There were a prodigious Concourse of People, and Bets depending on the Amount of several Hundred Pounds

    Monday 10 December 1764 - Dublin Courier
    We hear that there will be shortly a Trial of Skill in the most noble and antient Art of Boxing, between the celebrated Mr. Slack (who some Years ago defeated the redoubted Hero, Mr. Broughton) and one Wyburne of this City.- Several considerable Betts are depending upon this Occasion, and the Gentlemen Gladiators expect excellent Diversion
    Pancratia then states that in 1765 Millsom lost to Juchau, passing the title onto him.

    From Pancratia
    August 27, 1765, Millsom, who had so successfully beat the two Meggs, fought a battle with Thomas Juchau, at Colney, near St. Alban's, in which he failed enjoying his usual triumph, Juchau proving the conqueror.​


    This continues with
    Tom Juchau "Disher"
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019