English Champions: Daniel "The Jew" Mendoza, Part 1.

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Daniel Mendoza was born on July 5th, 1764, in the parish of Aldgate, London. The family was middle class, which meant that he was neither a product of privilege or abject poverty. The goal and expectations of the Mendoza family was for the son to learn a trade, become a respectable but bland member of the societal middle class. Mendoza had left home at age 12 to learn his trade, as a glass cutter, for an apprenticeship with a respectable family. Mendoza would eventually thrive and believe in the proper etiquette, from student to 'Master', that one day as the learned while the next as teacher. The problem for Mendoza was a restless spirit. He bored easily. He also appears to be involved with a non-stop series of fights, which if you believed him, as his father did, was always the fault of someone else. Mendoza learned Hebrew in school, and I assume there was a Bar Mitzvah, but he would never be a religious person. The Bar Mitzvah ritual itself is about the boy becoming a man while accepting moral responsibility for his actions. Mendoza witnessed anti-Semitism throughout his youth, which generally brought about fisticuffs, but he rarely discussed such stuff as an adult.

The 1st pugilist encounter for Daniel Mendoza was at 16-years old, 1780. There was a personal dispute, involving bad manners, between an athletic adult delivery man named Porter and a member of Mendoza's work entourage. Mendoza was on his 3rd apprenticeship attempt, as fighting for the reason that he left the homes of the glass cutter and fruit grocer families that he had lived prior. Mendoza had quit school and was now serving under a 'Master' tea dealer. The dispute that would evolve into a pugilist showdown involved honor, with a heated argument over a gratuity, so Mendoza offered to fight Porter. This was an adult man against a young boy, but fortunately the toughest guy in the region would protect any personal conduct propriety and act as the corner man for Mendoza. His name was Richard Humphreys.

Richard Humphreys held the respect and disdain that accompanied a pugilist of any renown. These were often honor matches, like the one with Mendoza/Porter, with little financial reward. Money could be made, if gambling were involved, with a gracious winner sharing their winnings. If Humphreys could slip a few guineas into his pocket afterward, this was needed money, and though he would swear to himself and his loved ones never to do it again, he would continue to accept the next challenge. His size and no nonsense toughness was the embodiment of a pugilist.


Daniel Mendoza: “This battle, which first brought me into public notice, laid the foundation of the fame I afterwords enjoyed; the spirit and resolution I displayed throughout a contest with an antagonist of such superior strength, excited the general applause of the spectators.” Mendoza thrilled in the moment of such an exciting encounter. There was a bit of unexpected coin change in his pocket, any money was appreciated, while the lack of fear against a larger foe that assisted with his self-esteem. The bout lasted 45 minutes. Humphreys would have offered boxing advice and words of encouragement. But for someone to perform so well against a larger foe, it is likely that Mendoza was creative and innovative, and his own teacher, almost from the start.

Mendoza was approached and agreed for another bout that same week. This time he would be paid for a professional encounter. Daniel Mendoza: “I met my opponent, and here again had to contend against superior strength; but after a contest which lasted near an hour, had the satisfaction to come off victorious.” Once again as his corner man, and acting as a mentor and coach, was Richard Humphreys. It is a shame that the relationship between Mendoza and Humphreys would become one day so poisonous. Their conversations must have been mutually pleasurable. Both men were literate and intelligent. Mendoza was the more serious minded of the two, which allowed Humphreys an easygoing sly sense of humor underneath his gruff exterior, while a diminutive Mendoza aggressively planned whatever it took to escape his mediocre existence. Still, this contest offered a confidence builder from the best pugilist in the region. Daniel Mendoza: “Some of the spectators called out to (Humphreys) to direct me where to strike, I well recollect him reply, 'There is no need of it, the lad knows more than all of us'.”

Mendoza's next bout of any consequence was aged 19, 1983, versus an experienced, 21 year-old pugilist, named Tom Tyne. The location was at Layton Stone in Essex. The prize was 5 guineas a side. The fight lasted 75 minutes with Tyne as the winner when Mendoza voluntarily retired. It was disappointing for Mendoza to suffer his first defeat, but he rebounded emotionally fast, and besides he could always blame a loss on something or someone else. Daniel Mendoza: “My friends would not suffer me to continue the contest any longer and therefore the battle was decided against me.”

The next recorded bout, against a pugilist named John Mathews, was an endurance battle that would show more of the wrestling holds or throws of Mendoza. A bare knuckle contest would stop each round following a fall down, whether by punch or a wrestler hold. There would be a 30 second rest between rounds. The contest would be over when either pugilist could not continue for the next round. The location for the Mendoza/Mathews battle was Kilburn Wells. The prize was 6 guineas. The battle lasted for 2 ½ hours. An exhausted Mathews began to fall down intentionally in order to avoid being hit while receiving a short rest. Daniel Mendoza: “At length I availed myself of a favorable opportunity and seizing my opponent did not quit my hold till I forced him to give up.”

Mendoza had left the tea dealer, wanting no part of that life despite his apprentice role, and knew that pugilism was too lowly a trade to consider as a professional. Mendoza liked his own gregarious personality, mixed with verbal skills and love of an audience. He felt that he would be perfect for the legitimate acting theater. He signed on for a drama based on the life of the Jewish queen, Esther. Mendoza placed on the costume, and with more nervousness than he imagined, took the stage and attempted to sing. It was a disaster with the audience openly heckling him. Greatly embarrassed for the moment, but only the moment, because he could re-energize himself by blaming others for any life defeat. Daniel Mendoza: “Together with the awkward and embarrassed behaviour of my companions at the time, so excited and disgusted the audience, that they would not suffer us to proceed, and we were finally hissed and hooted off the stage.” Galling the theater manager, who was as likely cheap and dishonest as 'galled', Mendoza asked for the promised acting payment. The manager told him no. Mendoza demanded payment. The manager told him no. So Mendoza left the theater with a “valuable epaulette” as his self-determined fee.

Mendoza had fantasized himself as a showman or entertainer, or anything that would avoid an anonymous and dreary trade life job that promised steady employment, but a meager existence with little luxury and excitement. But his terrible stage appearance, mixed with an awful singing voice, momentarily grounded his dreams. He returned to trade work, with a kind tobacco employer, in White Chapel. The employer was impressed by Mendoza's pugilism side life and encouraged such activity. Mendoza fought again in Chatham against a larger foe with a local reputation. The prize was 5 guineas, and may have been fronted by the employer who attended the bout. Mendoza was a 5-1 underdog. After a grueling 1 ¼ hour bout, the larger foe surrendered, with Mendoza as victorious. Mendoza won the 5 guineas 'official' prize, plus a monetary gratuity, from an impressed employer who profited from gambling. Mendoza was likely of mixed mind. He was thrilled by the excitement of the bout itself, excited by the official prize money and any 'tip' that was added on, but then resentful that others made more money from his victory than himself.

Mendoza left the tobacco employer due to boredom and low wages. His next job, which he landed due to pugilism, was smuggling stolen property. The pay was 1 guinea a week and free room and board. If Mendoza thought he was a patsy to gamblers through pugilism then life as a petty criminal taught him of a more dangerous sort of life and employer. Mendoza was taking all the risks, traveling horseback, with risk of arrest or worse. Mendoza was told to avoid law enforcement and to fight with his life to protect the stolen merchandise. Mendoza was caught by peace officers and briefly imprisoned. A fellow smuggler was killed days later while 'protecting' stolen goods during a hold-up. Mendoza quit this dangerous work, but only after deciding that the horse would be his “payment” instead of a guinea.

 

Mendoza returned to pugilism with a life altering single day. It was a spontaneous bout, over a supposed insult while on horseback, for 1 guinea. The battle in Kentish Town lasted for 30 minutes until the opponent surrendered. The prize was low, because Mendoza might have put up his own money, but the gamblers rewarded him. His 1 guinea bet turned into a nice 6 pounds prize. The excitement and money spurred him into another 'insult' bout several hours later. Mendoza accepted the 1 guinea betting prize. Most important, since he had money on him, is that he refused to put up his own funds. Someone backed the guinea betting prize and rewarded Mendoza 2 guineas as payment for his victory. Other gamblers were more generous and he wound up with 14 pounds. Mendoza had turned two bouts, with 2 guineas as total prize payment, into 20 pounds and 3 guineas, while learning never to risk any of his own money. Mendoza must have been flushed with manic excitement, over the thrill of congratulations and cheering spectators, mixed with better money than he could find elsewhere. Mendoza managed to get into another 'insult' bout on this same day. He won the fight, but it was not the money maker of the previous two. It was still a great day for Mendoza, one that remained in his mind with pride for many years, and with money in his pocket, he decided that his earnings entitled him to lavish entertainment that night.

Mendoza was now of mixed mind about pugilism. On the one hand, it was deemed as a dangerous profession by the lowest of the low, in an English society that reveres class. On the other hand, a fight here or there, especially with gambling involved, would place real money into his hands. Mendoza would leave these skirmishes, slightly degraded by how he earned this money, but also exhilarated by the audience and attention. Mendoza would vow never to fight again and then he would fight again. Richard Humphreys was in a similar bind. He was also concerned, maybe less so than Mendoza, about the low social status that accompanied a pugilist. He would also retire and then fight again. His situation was different because of his fighter reputation. There was a 'gunslinger' association attached to his name so that to defeat him could make a name for another. Humphreys would be challenged after vowing to never fight again, but his pride and 'honor' would not accept an insult, or anyone questioning his manhood. Humphreys would accept any money to be had from a bout, any money at all, but personal honor more than financial compensation seemed to be of greater motivation. Daniel Mendoza versus Richard Dennis, a Groom. Prize: 1 guinea. Mendoza badly injured his ankle in the 30 minute bout which he won. A relative placed the prize money for Mendoza so the payout was: the relative ½ guinea, corner man ½ crown, Mendoza 8 shillings. There was 3-4 months of recovery due to a sprained ankle. During this recovery process he decided to become a professional pugilist. Daniel Mendoza versus William Bryant, a Watch Spring Maker. Location: Islington. Prize: None. Quite a crowd gathered for this bout. It was a 30 minute fight, marred by low blows accusations and it was ultimately ruled a Draw. No money was exchanged, which understandably upset Mendoza, who fought a 'free' bout.

Daniel Mendoza versus William Nelson.... This would be a bout that would change pugilism history. The bout itself was one of Mendoza's best and would show him to be a worthy contender against any opponent. Daniel Mendoza: “He was an uncommonly large and powerful man in the prime of life, and fought several hard battles.” Nelson began as a 7-1 favorite and the odds placed him at 10-1 before the bout. Mendoza eventually dominated in a 75 minute hard fought victory. The pre-bout is where the real action of this fight took place. Humphreys had protected and worked with the 5'7, 165 pound, clever pugilist. Humphrey's main patron, Mr. Elson, advanced 20 guineas for Mendoza as his stake of the prize bet. Mendoza accepted the money and then ignored Elson afterward. Humphreys was embarrassed and angered. He had prepared to train Mendoza at a residence on Epping Forest. Mendoza claimed, as would become a lifelong habit, a series of reasons to explain his behavior. At first, Mendoza claimed that Humphreys was too difficult a trainer, with much emphasis on physical conditioning, while Mendoza insisted that his youth and science made such work unnecessary. Then Mendoza claimed, it was not actually the physical work, as much as the residence itself. Mendoza insisted the place was overrun by prostitutes, and the inevitable fights between clients and prostitutes in the middle of the night, was disruptive to his mental state. Mendoza would forever claim it was a “training disagreement” but the dispute revolved around money. Mendoza would not return any money advanced by Humphreys' patron. Mendoza now claimed that the 20 guineas was a 'gift' from an admirer. It would be awhile, but eventually Mendoza was arrested and jailed for theft of the money. Another patron of Mendoza, Mr. G, eventually paid off the claims which included punitive expenses. By then, Humphreys was the most famous pugilist in England, while he remained furious at Mendoza. The anger was returned by Mendoza, now aimed at Humphreys, because he claimed --- well, who knows what logic Mendoza had convinced himself --- but he had been arrested and embarrassed.

 

Mendoza fought again in Northampton, a 90 minute bout, which found him victorious. The battle concluded with the larger pugilist unable to stand. Mendoza does not mention the prize money involved, but the local pugilist held some sort of reputation, so that the victory extended the fame and esteem held by others. Mendoza had only one bout on his mind, against the pugilist who had defeated him, Tom Tyne. Daniel Mendoza versus Tom Tyne II. Location: Surrey, near Croyden. Prize: 20 guineas a side. Mendoza had actively sought out Tyne to avenge his only defeat. Daniel Mendoza: “For having fought with uncommon shyness and maneuvering for near an hour, he gave in, having received several severe blows in the course of the battle, which all his dexterity could not prevent.” One of the highlights of Mendoza's life, along with the celebration that followed, was thwarted by Richard Humphreys on a celebratory visit to Roe Buck in Aldgate. Mendoza had not yet been imprisoned or fined by the court for having cheated Humphreys' patron. Humphreys began with verbal threats before challenging Mendoza to fight him on the spot. Mendoza refused. So Humphreys grabbed Mendoza in an attempt to encourage fisticuffs. Mendoza again refused and walked away. Mendoza had retained his composure in front of Humphreys but was badly shaken by the encounter. Daniel Mendoza: “(Humphreys) behaviour to me was rude and contemptuous, and he seemed very desirous of provoking me to strike him; for after using scurrilous and abusive language, he seized me by the collar, and tore my shirt with much violence.” It would be Richard Humphreys, now the most famous and feared pugilist in England, that would increase his fame and place pugilism back on the map as a popular sport. The bout was held on May 3, 1786, at Newmarket. Humphreys was the favorite, as the slightly larger pugilist, and he ultimately dominated the 45 minute contest. More important than any prize money for the pugilists were the 40,000 pounds wagered through gambling. This bout was apparently fair, but with so much money at stake, the wheels would be placed into motion to alter future boxing bouts. Pierce Egan: “Humphries (sic.) was considered a most distinguished pugilist: he was so attractive as to revive pugilism, which had been on the decline for some time.... The set-to was witnessed by their Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Duke of Orleans, and most of the French nobility then in England.... The amateurs were highly gratified, and both pugilists established their fame, but more particularly Humphries (sic.).” Other factors which would be significant later is the discomfort that Humphreys felt from his fame. He did not feel comfortable in the presence of royalty, so while a King George III might like and admire Humphreys, they could not develop a personal relationship. The other factor was that while Martin, the Bath Butcher, was on the losing end of the contest, there was still fame to be gained through the pre-bout hype and anticipation. A wealthy patron, Mister Tring, approached Mendoza to engage for money in a publicized bout against, Martin the Bath Butcher. The official prize would be for 50 pounds, but with much money in betting stakes, could make considerably more. The bout, held at Shephard's Bush on April 17, 1787, outside Surrey, lasted 26 minutes with the smaller Mendoza winning fairly easily. Daniel Mendoza: “Several gentlemen, who won money on the contest, were also pleased to reward my exertions in a very liberal manner, by which means I suddenly came into possession of wealth far beyond what I ever expected to be Master of, having received altogether considerably more than 1000 pounds.”

While a greater income should have meant better security for him it would instead lead to an addiction that would plague him until his death. Mendoza began to borrow on his own money, at a loss, and would find himself in persistent, lifelong debt. The more money he made, the more he borrowed, until he would find himself frequently placed in Debtor's Prison. Compromises would be made in order to be released from jail which usually meant a fight against a hand-picked opponent.

Mendoza visited Epping, 1787, to enjoy the local fair. As he checked into an Inn he was surprised to find Humphreys waiting for his arrival. Humphreys, still angered over the Nelson bout and his patron taken advantage, so he again challenged Mendoza to fight him on the spot. Mendoza admits that he became angered and launched a verbal assault against his one-time mentor. Humphreys returned the verbal abuse. At that, Mendoza had decided they were even and all should be forgiven and forgotten. Humphreys disagreed and repeated his demand that they fight that moment. Mendoza says that he was outnumbered and would only consider such a confrontation if it were within the rules of boxing. The situation worsened, and whether official or a street brawl, blows were exchanged. Peace Officers arrived and broke up the fight. The good for Mendoza, as he had been secretly intimidated by Humphreys size and strength and reputation, was a confidence that he could defeat his former mentor if they fought under the Jack Broughton Rules in an official pugilism encounter capacity. Daniel Mendoza: “I now felt confident that even though he was my superior in strength and size, I was fully equal to him in activity and knowledge of the art of pugilism.”

Daniel Mendoza, now possessing fame after his victory over Martin the Bath Butcher, fought his only recorded bout against a Black pugilist around this time. The pugilist was the servant of Colonel George Hanger, the eccentric soldier/writer, outdoors, sporting man. Mendoza battled someone of enough fame that the outcome earned him 200 pounds. Daniel Mendoza: “(The Black pugilist) had acquired great repute for his skill in pugilism. In about 20 minutes, however, I evinced such a decided superiority over him, that he declined continuing the contest.”

A newly domesticated Mendoza had established enough of a pugilist reputation to open his own boxing school, Capel Court. He also married at this time and promised his wife that he would never bare knuckle fight for money ever again. His sparring academy would teach self-defense techniques and training, students and Mendoza himself would wear padded gloves, with open compliance and respect for English law.

Richard Humphreys character, which was usually written about in positive terms, showed another side on December 19th, 1787, while he acted as corner man for Champion Tom Johnson. Mendoza worked with them as the bottle holder. Johnson was facing a pugilist named Ryan, who was revered enough to be a 3-2 favorite as the bout began. After 20 minutes of Ryan domination he landed a blow which appeared staggered Johnson. Humphreys entered the ring illegally and held onto Ryan. The Ryan camp, understandably claimed a disqualification foul. Humphreys claimed that Johnson could only lose by falling to the ground which he had prevented. The gambling had much to do with the allowance of cheating. By the time that Ryan had agreed to continue the bout, with a delay of 20 minutes, he appeared demoralized and was easily vanquished.

 

Richard Humphreys versus Daniel Mendoza (1/9/1788)

LOCATION: Odiham, Hampshire. PRIZE: 400 guineas. Crowd: Thousands. Each was to pay ½ guinea, but the spectators eventually burst through. The fighting ring is a 24 foot raised stage. Humphreys corner man was Tom Johnson. Mendoza corner man was David Benjamin. Humphreys wears flannel-shorts with silk stockings.

ROUND 1: They began with mutual feints. Pierce Egan: “Mendoza felt no terrors from the proud fame of his antagonist.” Mendoza finally lands a hard blow, loses his balance on the slippery surface, before he falls onto his back.

ROUNDS 2-3: The gambling odds now favor Mendoza. He has scored both a knock down and throw down.

ROUND 10: The bout is surprisingly one sided as Mendoza dominates with several knockdowns. There was an incident with Mendoza driving Humphreys back to the ropes and in trouble but corner man, Johnson, intervened and the round came to an abrupt halt. Mendoza patrons shouted: “Foul,” but the Umpires disagreed.

ROUND 15ish: Somewhere in this area it appears that the betting odds have evened again. Mendoza struggles with the slippery surface. Humphreys handles the adverse conditions better, and as his traction is better his confidence grows. His blows begin to land until he picks up Mendoza and throws him on his head. Pierce Egan: “Mendoza was thrown, and in falling pitched upon his face; his forehead was dreadfully cut just above the right eye, and his nose assumed a different shape.”

ROUND (?? – somewhere around the 20th minute): It is a brutal fight with sparring and much action. Mendoza appears to have the upper hand with his counter punches. He is also successfully tiring his foe.

ROUND (?? – somewhere around the 25th minute): Mendoza has regained momentum and control. Mendoza steps forward as Humphreys appears in trouble and is backed against the ropes. Mendoza grabs Humphreys in an attempt to throw him. Humphreys has grasped the rail holding the ropes in place. Mendoza loses balance as he grabs an opponent who has a tight hold on the rail. Humphreys releases his rail grip and now clutches Mendoza. Humphreys throws the 5'7 pugilist hard onto his head.... This would be the turning point in the bout. Mendoza is groggy and seriously injured.

(ROUND (?? – somewhere around the 26th and 27th minute): Both pugilists are tired. Mendoza is the more seriously wounded, but an exhausted Humphreys cannot finish off his opponent.

ROUND (?? – somewhere around the 28th minute): Mendoza attempts to remain aggressive and landed a hard blow to the face. But Humphreys has regained control and lands a hard 3 punch combination, two punches to the ribs and one to the neck. Mendoza backs from the onslaught, his leg loses traction and he falls again. Pierce Egan: “The Jew reeling fell with his leg under him, sprained his ancle (ankle), and was reluctantly compelled to acknowledge the superiority of the Christian.” The bout was halted at just under 29 minutes.


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Clearly the full story is going to take me sometime, but if you're reading this then it was worth the work, thanks buds. Danny is one of the most important figures in boxing history, more people should know about him.

Heavyweight Champions from Ancient to Present

Source is The Art and Science of Daniel Mendoza By Christopher James Shelton. I'll wait a while before I do part 2. Probably drop an ancient thread and maybe some of the smaller LPRR threads first.

 

No problem, Mendoza's is one of the first really great stories in boxing.

I'm not sure I'm going to keep this approach though. I really like CJS, he brings a lot of depth, but I personally have always had an issue with how spread out Mendoza, Richmond, and Molyneux's stories are told. You can read plenty of books on the two latter and they never mentioned Daniel or vice versa but in actuality those three had big roles in each other's lives and the history of boxing.

So as we get closer to Mendoza's later years for those parts I'll probably switch authors and sources quite a bit to include more about the black american fighters he trained.

Because while other fighters may claim to have inspired a generation or some such similar Mendoza has more than a claim, he has direct training lineage.

 

Yep, Sephardic, at about 1:40 in the video.

For a real source I think it may be in one of his books actually. I mean one that Mendoza wrote not one written about him though I'm sure some of those cover it. I'll have a look in other books and see if I can't bring a solid source.

Now that you bring it up I'm feeling like I should have set the stage a little better. Explained Spanish-Christendom relations along with what it meant to be Jewish in Europe as a whole then got more specific with England and Daniel's parents. Or at least some history on the Iberian.

 

Gonna just selfishly bump this that it floats about on the first page a while to remind me to do a part 2.