English Champions: Jack Slack "The Norfolk Butcher"

Jack Slack is considered to have been Champion of England from 1750, when he beat Jack Broughton, until 1760, when he lost to William Stevens.

However newspaper reports have him losing to George Taylor in 1751, bringing the lineage into question.

Massive thanks to Senya for the vast majority of these newspaper articles, which he posted in this thread

From Pugilistica
Though the prestige of Broughton has gone far to illustrate the name of
his conqueror, this lucky, rather than skilful, achievement will not give him
the place he deserves among hoxers with those with whom success is not
''the be-all and end-all" in war or in worldly fortune. Slack fought better
battles than that in which he tore the laurel from the brow of the veteran
Broughton. We read of him in a contemporary journal : — '' Slack is a
butcher from Norwich ; his height is five feet eight inches and a half, and
his weight nearly fourteen stone. He is remarkably compact " (we should
think so at fourteen stone for so short a man), “superior to the generality of
men in strength, and of excellent bottom. His method of hitting is not
regular, and he seldom fights on a preconcerted plan ; but his style being
suited to the man contending with him, few were able to resist him, when he
resolved on victory. His blows were usually given with such force, that his
name 'Slack' passed into a slang expression, and 'a slack'un' meant a
smashing hit. His attitude was remarkably upright, legs little separated,
the right hand covering the pit of the stomach, and the left placed imme-
diately before the mouth."* It is not possible to distinguish much science
in such an attitude, and had he not been more resolute in attack, and more
game in taking punishment than his opponents, he might have missed the
proud title of champion. We are told, “with the greatest resolution he
disputed every inch of ground, and was so averse to shifting or retreating,
that he has risked and received a knock-down blow rather than give up his


• “Pancratia,” p. 46, edit. 1811.


position. Slack frequently used the chopper,* and generally with success
(this says little for his opponents' defence), in a return. Bringing his fist to his
Breast, and projecting his elbow, he threw off a blow describing a segment of
a circle (!), the centre of which was the elbow, unexpectedly striking his
antagonist in the face with the back of his hand. This mode was completely
his own, but has since been adopted by many." (** Pancratia," p. 40). We
do not know that we have ever read more nonsense in as many lines ; but
this is not the place for a treatise on the art.
Slack, after numerous victories in the provinces, came up to Broughton's
booth, about 1748, to try his fortune. It may interest some of our readers
to see a challenge of the day in which John Slack figures as the respondent.

* This clumsy, inefficient, and easily stopped blow has later claimants to the honour of its invention. It is simply the most dangerous to the boxer who tries it, and the most awkward delivery of the fist.

The advertisement is curious.


October 80, 1744.— At the Castle, in Framlingham, in Suffolk, on Monday, the 12th day of

November next ensuing, there will be a severe trial of manhood between the following
Champions viz.,


I, Daniell Smith, the Suffolk Champion, do once more invite Mr. John Slack, the
Norfolk Champion, to meet and fight me at the time and place above said, for the sum of forty guineas : and though I had the misfortune to be defeated by him before, am sure I am much superior in the art of boxing, and doubt not but I shall give him and the company entire satisfaction.

DANIEL SMITH.


I, John Slack, the Norfolk Champion, do accept the above challenge, and will be certain to meet and fight the above hero for the said sum, at the time and place above mentioned ; and don't doubt but I shall support the character I have hitherto maintained.

JOHN SLACK.


N.B. They are to fight upon a stage, and galleries will be erected for the reception of
gentlemen, &c.
The doors will be opened at nine o'clock, and the champions mount the stage at one.

It will be seen from this that Daniel Smith had already fallen before
Slack's ponderous arm. When and where we have found no record. That
on this occasion he again made the Suffolk champion strike his colours, may
he fairly assumed from the fact that when, after some successes over inferior
boxers, he had the audacity to challenge George Taylor himself, it is recorded
as Slack's first defeat " He had not been hitherto beaten.” The battle, as
already narrated, took place on the last day of January, 1750, at Broughton's
amphitheatre, and was a desperate contest on the part of Slack, who rushed
in till he was punished to helplessness.

 

Shortly after this defeat Slack was present at Hounslow Races. Here a
dispute arose, in the course of which Broughton, considering Slack's conduct
insolent, assumed a high tone of superiority/ threatening to horsewhip the
butcher" on the spot. With the merits of the quarrel we have nothing to
do. Slack, in whose composition there was certainly no fear of man, at once
challenged the redoubted end highly patronised waterman, who upon the
spot accepted the defiance. Some of the preliminary incidents of this
remarkable battle have been already touched upon in the memoir of Brough-
ton. That skilful boxer appears to have viewed the challenge of Slack with
a fatal self-confidence. Indeed, considering that Slack had recently sur-
rendered to Taylor, whose qualifications none knew better than Broughton,
who had long since defeated him, probably more than once, there was some
ground for confidence, and we have it on authority that he considered there
was no necessity for regular training, imperfectly as that process was carried
out at that period. We prefer copying an account from a paper of the
day, to the embellished apocrypha of later histories.

"On Wednesday, April 11 (1750), was fought the grand boxing match
between the celebrated Broughton, hitherto invincible, and John Slack, the
Norfolk butcher. Before the battle began Broughton gave Slack ten guineas
to fight him, according to a previous promise, which Slack immediately
betted against one hundred guineas offered as odds against him. The first
two minutes the odds were ten to one in favour of Broughton ; but Slack,
recovering himself, struck a blow which blinded his adversary, and following
up his advantage, obtained a complete victory in fourteen minutes, to the great
mortification of the knowing ones, including a peer of the first rank, who,
betting ten to one, lost £10,000. The money received at the doors was
£130, besides 200 tickets at a guinea and a half each; and as the battle was
for the whole house, it is supposed the victor cleared £600.'*

We have already said that the downfal of Broughton was the downfal of
public pugilism in the metropolis ; whatever there was of good in the art to
a great extent perishing at the caprice of a prince and the power of a few
aristocrats. If these are necessary concomitants to its existence, it would not
have been worth preserving, but it has survived the frowns of power, and
had a better support in the favour of the people. If Broughton's theatre
was closed, the art pugmandi dwelt in the provinces, and we find our hero
engaged in 1751 at Harlston, in Norfolk, with a gigantic Frenchman, whose
name, Petit or Pettit, almost savours of a jest. Pettit appears to have been
an exhibitor in a circus as a “strong man,'' and was noted for immense
muscular powers. Of his boxing capabilities, like those of the Gondolier,
we cannot form a high estimate. The following letter appeared in the
papers of the time :— -

" Harlston, Norfolk, July 80th, 1751.
“Yesterday, in the afternoon, Slack and Pettit met and fought. At the first set-to Pettit
seized Slack by the throat, held him up against the rails, and grained• him so much as to make him extremely black. This continued for half a minute, before Slack could break from Pettit's hold ; after which, for near ten minutes, Pettit kept fighting and driving hard at Slack, when at length Slack closed with his antagonist, and gave him a severe fall, after that a second and a third, but between these falls, Pettit threw Slack twice off the stage ; indeed Pettit so much dreaded Slack's falls, that he ran directly at his hams, and tumbled him down*, and by that means gave Slack an opportunity of making the falls easy. When they had been fighting 18 minutes the odds run against Slack, a guinea to a shilling; whereas, on first setting out, it was three or four to one on his head; but after this time Slack shortened Pettit so as to disable him from running and throwing him down in the manner he had done before, but obliged him to stand to close fighting. Slack then closed one of his eyes, and beat him very much about the face ; at twenty minutes Pettit grew weaker and Slack stronger. This was occasioned by Slack's straight way of fighting. At twenty-two minutes the best judges allowed Slack to have the advantage over Pettit very consider-ably, as he was then recovering his wind, owing to his game qualities. When they had boxed twenty-four minutes, Pettit once more threw Slack over the rails. This indeed Slack allowed him to do, for as he got his hold. Slack fired a blow under Pettit's ribs that hurt severely. While Slack was again getting upon the stage (it was not half a minute before he
remounted), Pettit had so much the fear of his antagonist before his eyes, that he walked off without so much as civilly taking leave of the spectators. The cockers call this rogueing it, for It is generally thought that Pettit ran away full strong. The whole time of their fighting was twenty-five minutes, and this morning the battle was judged to Slack, who drew the first ten guineas out of the box."

• A provincialism for crushing and rubbing.

* This conduct would, of course, have lost the Frenchman the fight in modem times.

There are some odd points of resemblance in Pettit’s fighting and that of Heenan in his
Wadhurst fight with Tom King, although one was fought on turf the other on a stage.
Heenan did not, however, “ rogue “ it like the Frenchman, and walk off, but " took hit
gruel" till beaten out of time.


From the last sentence it would seem that there was a subscribed fund,
and principal and secondary prizes for the winners.

We read in " Pancratia," that “ the name of Slack was, and not unjustly,
a terror to fightable rustics. ” At a country fair a ‘native,' depending on his
natural prowess, gave Slack a blow in the face. We may presume it was
returned, and 'a ring' being called, a sharp set-to began. It is said the
countryman had the advantage, until Slack exclaimed with fervour, ‘ What !
shall it be said a ploughman beat Jack Slack ? ' The very name appalled the
countryman, who, imagining his antagonist had been playing with him, said,
' Have I been fightin' wi' Slack ? I'll ha' no more on't.' And he was as
good as his word, donning his clothes and leaving the field to the veteran
professional."

The next recorded battle of Slack was for 100 guineas with Cornelius
Harris, a collier of Kingswood, near Bristol. It took place on the I3th of
March, 1755. The skill and tactics of Slack were severely tried, Harris
fighting desperately in Slack's own early style for twenty minutes, when he
gave in.

On October 20th, 1759, Slack is again recorded as victor in a fight for
£50 aside with one Moreton, who had issued a challenge to the champion.
It came off at Acton Wells. Moreton proved himself a courageous, if not a
good boxer; but at the end of thirty-five minutes he acknowledged his
mistake.

Ten years had now elapsed since Slack had vanquished the renowned
Broughton, and held the title of champion — but the honour was dazzling,
and another hero put in his claim for the towering prize. Slack's fame was
well established; and here royalty once more appeared on the pugilistic
scene ; for Broughton's old patron, the Duke of Cumberland, stepped forward
and backed Slack for £100 against Bill Stevens, the Nailer, whom the Duke
of York took under his patronage. The Haymarket was the scene of action,
and a stage was erected in the Tennis Court, James Street, on the day of the
17th of June, 1760. Slack entered the field with all the confidence of a
veteran, and was acknowledged to have the advantage in the first part of the
battle; but the Nailer, with an arm like iron, received the ponderous blows
of his antagonist on his left with ease, while with his right arm he so
punished the champion's nob, that he knocked off the title, picked it up, and
wore it. Thus fell the hitherto invincible Slack.

This second great mistake of William of Cumberland seems to have dis-
gusted him with the ring, and we hear no more of him. The Duke of York
here spoken of was one of the uncles of George II., whose father, Frederick
Prince of Wales, died in George II.'s lifetime.

Slack now quitted the pugilistic profession, and returned to his old trade,
opening a butcher's shop in Chandos Street, Covent Garden. Here he
canried on a good business, but still mixed himself in fistic matters. He backed
and trained George Meggs, of whom more anon, to fight Bill Stevens, his
conqueror, for the championship and 200 guineas. The fight came off on the
2nd of March, 1761, at the Tennis Courts St. James' Street. The reporter
says, ''At the first onset Stevens missed his blow, and Meggs struck him
that instant on the side of the head and knocked him down. This error
seems to have lost him the battle. After this the battle lasted seventeen
minutes, with scarcely a blow struck, when Stevens gave in." We regret to
say that this disgraceful affair was clearly traced to Slack, who gave Stevens
50 guineas and his stake. '' Pancratia" says: ''An old supporter of
Stevens, meeting him one day, expressed his surprise at this defeat, when
Bill drily answered him, ' Why, Lord bless you, the day I fought Jack
Slack I got 90 guineas; but I got 50 guineas more than I should otherwise
haye done by letting Georgy beat me; and, damme, ain't I the same man
atill ?" The Nailer and Slack both fell into disrepute ; but the latter stuck
to his business, and appears to have prospered until his death in 1778.

 

1743-10-22 The Ipswich Journal (page 1)
Sunday's Post.
LONDON, October 15

Yesterday was fought the grand Boxing-Match, in the Great Booth at Tottenham-Court, between Mr. John Slack the Champion of Norfolk, and Mr. John James the most famous Boxer of London : The Betts were Twenty Pounds to Five, and Ten Pounds to Two, on the Head of Mr. James; as he was the best Boxer publickly known in London, having beat all that he had fought : But the Londoners were prodigiously let in, having laid great Sums of Money ; for Mr. John Slack beat their famous Hero in less than eight Minutes, though there were great Odds laid that Mr. James would beat Mr. Slack in two Minutes. Slack gave James such Falls by Cross-Buttocks as quite demolished him, and his Blows with his Hands were such as James shrunk at every Time. In short Mr. James was, within Eight Minutes Time, by several Men carried off the Stage for dead. The said Mr. Slack a few Days before boxer a famous Irishman in Morefields, and beat him blind in less than four Minutes. Norwich Gazette.

Ipswich Journal - Saturday 24 May 1746 page 4 (much of this is unreadable)

. . . White Lyon at Eye in Suffolk on Tuesday last was a tremendous . . ., between Mr. John Slack of this City, and Mr. . . .Goddard the Suffolk Champion, who is esteemed by the Bruiser as . . . Game as ever appeared on a Public Stage, and was greatly superior (to his) Antagonist in Weight. The Opinion the Friends of these Heroes . . . of their great Abilities, was manifest from the great Appearance of Gentlemen, and 71 Pounds and upwards being in the Box. At the first setting to, the Odds were two to one upon Slack ; who after fixing several Blows on Goddard, gave him two terrible Falls ; after which Goddard falled Slack several Times, but only two were of any Consequence, as Slack had a particular Art in breaking the Force of them. The . . . continues bloody and obstinate for a long time, till Slack shew his Dexterity by stopping several severe blows with one Hand with the other beat his Antagonist’s Face to a Jelly, and after 29 Minuted, Goddard was forced to give up, Slack having closed both his Eye. Norwich Mercury



1747-12-18 The Derby Mercury (page 4)
LONDON.
Yesterday another terrible Battle was fought between Taylor and Slack, in which the former came off Conqueror with great Difficulty.

1748-02-04 The London Daily Advertiser (page 2)
At Mr. Broughton's Amphitheatre in Oxford-Road, on Wednesday next, the 10th instant, will be a decisive Trial of Manhood between

John Slack, from Norwich,
and
George Taylor.

Tickets will be deliver'd at the Door for the Matted Gallery at Five Shillings each.

The Doors to be opened at Nine.

Note, For the more convenient Reception of the Sporting Gentlemen, Mr. Broughton has greatly enlarg'd his Gallery.

N. B. Mr. Broughton proposes, with proper Assistants, to open an Academy at his House in the Hay-Market, for the Instruction of those who are willing to be initiated in the Mystery of Boxing; where the whole Theory and Practice of that truly British Art, with all the various Stops, Blows, Cross-Buttocks, &c. incident to Combatants, will be fully taught and explain'd; and that Persons of Quality and Distinction may not be deterr'd from entering into a Course of these Lectures, they will be given with the utmost Tenderness and Regard to the Delicacy of the Frame and Constitution of the Pupil, for which Reason Mufflers are provided, that will effectually secure them from the Inconveniency of black Eyes, broken Jaws, and bloody Noses.

1748-02-10 The Derby Mercury (page 2)
London, February 11.

Thursday was fought at Broughton's Amphitheatre in Oxford-Road, the famous and long expected Battle between John Slack and James Field, for fifty Guineas, which lasted one Hour and Thiry-one Minutes, and at last was won by the former.

1748-02-20 The Ipswich Journal (page 2)
Country News.

2. Norwich, Feb. 13.

At Broughton's Amphitheatre in London on Wednesday last, was decided the third Battle between George Taylor the Barber and John Slack, which ended in Favour of the Barber in twelve Minutes, in which not above three were employed in Fighting, both being very circumspect, and trying to make each other Fight. There were very few Blows or Falls: The Barber was in very fine Order, and not only fixed a severe Blow on Slack just below his Ribs (where he had stopped several before with his Elbows) which he could not get rid of, but followed it with two or three more desperate ones in the same Place, which forc'd Slack to give up.---The Truth is, that Strength and Weight must be served, and there was a great Superiority in both on Taylor's Side.---The Box was 117l. Norwich Mercury.

The Ipswich Journal - Saturday 09 July 1748

Yarmouth, July 5.

Yesterday was a trial of Manhood, at our Fort, between Joseph James and John Slack, when the latter got the Advantage, and beat James in three Minutes ; Also John Simpson was beaten by John Curtis. There were near a Thousand spectators

1748-11-26 The Whitehall Evening-Post Or London Intelligencer (page 2)
A few Nights since was buried John James, particularly famous for his Art and Bravery in Boxing, the Funeral (which was extraordinary decent) was defrayed by his Father. It was remarkable, that his Pall was supported by Broughton, Taylor, Stevenson, Smallwood, Slack, and Field, six of the most celebrated Bruisers that this, or perhaps any Age has produced.

The Ipswich Journal - Saturday 31 December 1748

12. On Wednesday was fought, at Broughton’s Amphitheatre, a severe Trial of Manhood, between Mr. John Slack and Mr. Boswell, the noted Jaw-Bone-Breaker, which lasted 17 Minutes, and ended in Favour of Mr. Slack. The Box amounted to 57 Pounds. Norwich Gaz

1749-02-03 The Derby Mercury (page 2)
LONDON, February 1.
Yesterday the Boxing-Match between Taylor the Barber and Slack the Butcher, was fought at Broughton's, and was as severe a one as ever was known ; they fought twenty-six Minutes, when Slack was defeated. There was present the greatest Number of Nobility ever known on such Occasions.

Saturday 25 February 1749-The Ipswich Journal

Norwich, Feb. 18. On Thursday the 9th Instant, our Country man John Slack, fought the longest and bloodiest Battle in London, with Field the Sailor, ever seen at Broughton’s Ampitheatre : It lasted an Hour and thirty-two Minutes, at Sheer Boxing, without Hugging, standing Still, or above four Falls in the whole ; and it was very remarkable, that as the Betts were even at Setting to, the Fight was so equally maintain’d, that not 5 to 4 could be got, any Time during the Battle : Two Cross-Buttock Fall, excellently well-timed, but very seldom to be got so late in the Day, gave Slack the Victory. As this was judg’d to be a very near Match, and a great deal of Money was depending upon it, the House was fill’d very early with Persons of the first Distinction, who express’d the utmost Satisfaction and Applause of the uncommon Bravery and Skill exhibited on this Occasion : The Event shewed how necessary (to use the Fighting Phrase) Keeping is, to carry a Man thro’ in Labours of this Kind ; for tho’ strict sobriety is not the Characteristick of either of these Heroes, yet Slack may fairly be said to have won, from a Restraint and Regularity, which nothing but the Importance of the Undertaking could have made tolerable to him, and which even the Thirst of Glory, or the Love of Wealth, could not prevail on his Antagonist to submit to. There was near 100l. in the Box. Norwich Mercury

1749-04-22 The Ipswich Journal (page 2)
Norwich, April 15. 'On Wednesday last was decided at Broughton's Amphitheatre, the great Battle between Slack and Field; it lasted 38 Minutes; Upon a severe Fall, the first of any Consequence, Field gave out. The Box was 80 Guineas. They were both in good Order, having taken great Care of themselves; but Slack fights now too well ever to lose with the other.' Nor. Mer.

Saturday 05 August 1749 The Ipswich Journal -

On Wednesday last our Countryman John Slack, fought a most severe and bloody Battle at Mr. Broughton’s Amphitheatre in London, with Hawkfly, a Life Guard-Man, who is reckon’d one of the strongest Men, and the best Wrestler in England: He is almost a Giant in Size, being six Foot three Inches high, and big every Way in Proportion. Ar rge Beginning of the Battle, Slack received a terrible Blow in the Eye, which put him out of his Senses above a Minute, but he had the good Luck to recover it, and after Eighteen Minutes hard Fighting, beat his Man: The Falls were against Slack, who may be said to have won by Game Only-There never was so much Blood seen before in any Fight, nor more Satisfaction shewn at the Bravery of the Combatants. N.Merc

1750-02-03 The Ipswich Journal (page 2)
F. London, Thursday, Feb. 1.
Yesterday was fought at Broughton's Amphitheatre, a Boxing-Match which held 25 Minutes, between George Taylor and John Slack, when the former, with some Difficulty, beat his Antagonist. Before the battle began, the Odds were three to one against Slack, but at one time the Bets became even.

 

Friday 13 April 1750- Derby Mercury
The grand Boxing-Match between Broughton and Slack, which has been the Subject of so much Conversation amoung the modern English Heroes of all Rank, was fought Yesterday. The House was full very early. At Eleven the Champions mounted; and Broughton was fairly beat in 14 Minutes and 11 Seconds, as near as could be computed. The first two Minutes the Odds on Broughton's Head were 20 to 1, but Slack soon recovering himself changed the Betts, by closing the Eyes of his Antagonist, and following him close at the same Time, gained a complete Victory, to the no small Mortification of the Knowingones, who were finely taken in. Before they began, Broughton gave Slack the Ten Guimeas to fight him, according to his Promise, which Slack immediately betted against a hundred Guineas offered by a Gentleman against him.--The Money received at the Door amounted to 130l. besides 200 Tickets at a Guinea and Half a Guinea each. So that it is thought, what with the Money received at the Door, that for the Tickets, (as they fought for the whole house) and the Odds Slack took, that he did not clear less than 600l.

The Ipswich Journal - Saturday 21 April 1750
19. Extracts from the Norwich Papers, concerning the Battle between Boughton and Slack
From Norwich Gazette
------Altho' none were admitted under double Price, the House was full be Half an Hour after Eight, and the Champion mounted the Stage (by his Royal Highness the Duke's Command) at Ten. Broughton gave Slack Ten Guineas to fight for the whole House, and not divide it, as usual, which amoun'ed to upwards of 200l. The Odds before Fighting were ten to one; and when Broughton wen on the Stage, he treated his Antagonist with the greatest Contempt and Disdain, and even laughed at the Blows Slack gave him.

From Norwich Mercury
Soon after the first Onset, Broughton threw Slack a dreadfull Fall, which entirely depriv'd him of his Senses and Strength for some time; when as he was put upon his Legs, he either fell down, or was with ease knocked down by his Antagonist, and it was, generally, thought impossible for him to recover: Yet when it was least expected, he revived, and as Broughton was attacking, Slack buck great Luck planted a straight Blow directly in his Eye, which gave a Check to his Fury.-- This was soon after follower by several severe Blows of the like kind, and tho' Broughton was by much the strongest and heaviest Man, yest Slack shifted so artfully, and avoided the Falls so dexterously (even when laid hold on) that there was very little Advantage got by Broughton in this respect: In short, after a most bloody Fight, which lasted exactly Fourteen Minutes, in which the Odds from Ten to One, and in common from Six to One, were more than once brought even, Mr. Broughton after exerting the utmost Effort and Arts that Nature could put forth, or Judgment devise, was forced to yield to the Younger Heroe, not in Words indeed, for he was past Utterance.

1751-02-09 The Ipswich Journal (page 3)
Friday Post.

London, Thursday, February 7.

16. We hear that the Boxing Theatre in Tyburn Road will soon be suppressed by the Bench of Justices, as it is thought to contribute to the Nursery of a great Number of loose, idle, and disorderly People. Wh. Ev. Post.

17. Yesterday was decided the Boxing-Match between Taylor and Slack, which lasted about 15 Minutes, and was ended in favour of Taylor, at a Time when it was thought that Slack would have beat him, the Odds being Ten to One of it; but it was said that in the last Fall he hurt his Leg, and therefore gave out.

1751-02-16 The Ipswich Journal (page 1)
Country News.

1. Norwich, Feb. 9. At Broughton's Amphitheatre, on Wednesday last, after the most bloody Battle that ever was seen for the time it lasted, which was just sixteen Minutes, George Taylor beat his Antagonist John Slack, from this City. The House was full before Nine, and the Fight over by Ten o'Clock. The Odds before setting to were Two to One on Taylor. For the first six Minutes there never was faster Fighting, or more terrible Blows and Falls, but Slack had the worst of it, and the Odds were greater against him than at the Beginning; but in the next five Minutes, which were employed in hard Boxing, without a Fall, the Battle was brought even, and both of them seemed equally tired, and out of Wind; from this time, Slack's straight Blows began to take Place, and he had greatly the Advantage, both in Fighting and Falls, insomuch that the Odds were at 14 Minutes more in his Favour than they had ever been against him; 'till unluckily, when it was impossible for him to have lost but by an Accident, by a Twist of his Leg to disengage himself from his Adversary's Lock, and in which he succeeded so as to give the Fall, he had the Misfortune to put out his Knee, which lost him almost a certain Victory. Taylor, who may be truly said, to have won this Battle out of the Fire, has declared he will appear no more on the Stage, so that our Countryman is now the first Fighting Man in England. There was above 200l. in the boxes, besides Tickets.

1752-01-21 London Daily Advertiser (page 2)
I George Lea, who fought Mr. John Slack at the Corner of Bow-Street, Covent-Garden; the sole Reason of my not beating, was owing to my being so much in Liquor, not having been in Bed for three Nights before; and I have since challenged to fight him for Twenty Pounds, or any Sum he likes, on the Ground, which he refuses: I hereby give the second Challenge to fight him for Twenty Pounds on the publick Stage, being resolv'd to fight him the second Time, with two Seconds that never were Seconds on the publick Stage.

1752-01-23 London Daily Advertiser (page 2)
At Mr. Broughton's Amphitheatre, in Oxford-Road, on Wednesday next, the 29th instant, will be decided the Battle depending between George Lea, the Chairman, and John Slack, the Butcher.

To fight for Twenty Pounds each.

Bye-Battles as usual.

1752-02-07 The Derby Mercury (page 4)
LONDON, February 11.
Yesterday Slack defeated the Chairman at Broughton's Amphitheatre in about three Minutes, in the Presence of a dignified and crowded Audience. Just before the Heroes mounted the Stage, there was an Alarm given, the Gallery was falling down, which put the Spectators into the greatest Confusion.

1752-02-14 The Derby Mercury (page 2)
LONDON, February 13.
On Monday, when Slack the Butcher fought Lea the Chairman, there was such a Crowd, that it was computed there was 150 l. in the House; such is the Encouragement given to the Gentlemen of that Polite Art, besides a considerable Reward, flung by the Gentlemen of Taste, to their ingenious Pupils, who exhibit before their Masters mount, which often prevents some of them from picking of Pockets for some Days afterwards.

Friday 15 May 1752 Derby Mercury -
Yesterday Slack beat Falkner, after an Engagement of 27 Minutes. It was allowed by the Spectator to be the greatest Battle that was ever fought and though the Odds before setting too were three to one on Slack, yet during the Battle, the Betts came about two to one on Falkner. Two Minutes before it was ended, it was generally thought that the next fall would determine the Victory, and they were both so weak, that they could hardly lift up their Arms to strike a Blow, but a Fall ensuing from their closing, Falkner was the undermost, which determin'd his Fate; and his Conqueror, when attempted to be lifted off from the vanquish'd Hero, Flipt out of the out of the Second's Arms, and lay on the Stage as flat as his Antagonist, and they were both obliged ti be carried off the Stage, The Seconds were George Taylor, and Tom-Boy; the former to Falkner, and the latter to Slack.



1752-11-25 The Ipswich Journal (page 1)
Country News.

Extract of a Letter from London, dated Nov. 15.

'This Day at Broughton's Amphitheatre, came on the Boxing-Match between Slack and Goddard, on the first Set to, 50l. to 20l. was laid on Slack, and several Pounds laid 3 to 1; Slack gave the two first Falls, but Goddard gave the Third, which made the House ring; after that, Goddard (who is much stronger than Slack) endeavored all he could to close with Slack and buttock him, rather than stand fair Boxing, by which Means he falled Slack often, and within 14 Minutes and a half our Norwich Hero was obliged to submit, and to all Appearance was very much beaten.' Norw. Merc.--See E 14 of last Week.

The Derby Mercury - 17 Nov 1752
LONDON, November 16.
Yesterday Goddard Beat Slack at Broughton's Amphitheatre in Oxford Road in 14 Minutes. The bets at the Beginning of the Comabt were allon Slack's side.

The Derby Mercury - 17 Nov 1752 (page 3)
LONDON, November 18.
We hear that Goddard threw Slack at Broughton's Amphitheatre, on Wednesday last, between twenty and thirty Falls.

The Deby Mercury - March 30, to April 6 1753 (page 2)
We are assured, that a Match is made for Slack and Saulkener to fight at Broughton's Amphitheatre in three Weeks time, for a large Sum of Money.

The Derby Mercury - May 4th to May 11th
LONDON, May 3
Yesterday several Persons assembled at the Amphitheatre in Tyburn-Road, in order to see the decisive Battle between Slack and Falkner; but were greatly disappointed; the Justices of the County having, agreeable to the late Act of Parliment, put a stop to their brutal Proceedings.

 

1754-09-07 Jackson's Oxford Journal (pages 2-3)
"Harlston in Norfolk, July 30. Yesterday in the afternoon Slack and Pettit met and fought. At the first Set-to, Pettit seized Slack by the throat, and held him up against the rails, and grain'd him so much as to make him turn extremely black; this continued for half a minute before Slack could break Pettit's hold; after which for near ten minutes Pettit kept fighting and driving hard at Slack, when at length Slack clos'd with his antagonist, and gave him a very severe fall, and after that a second and third; but between these falls Pettit threw Slack twice off the Stage, and indeed Pettit so much dreaded Slack's falls, that he ran directly at his hams, and tumbled him down, and by that means gave Slack an opportunity of making the falls very easy; when they had been fighting eighteen minutes, the odds ran against Slack a guinea to a shilling; whereas on first setting out, it was three or four to one on his head; but after this time Slack shortened Pettit so, as to disable him from running and throwing him down in the manner he had done before, but obliged him to stand to close fighting. Slack then clos'd one of his eyes, and beat him very much about the face. At twenty minutes Pettit grew weaker, Slack stronger; this was occasioned by Slack's strait way of fighting. At twenty-two minutes the best judged allow'd Slack to have the advantage over Pettit very considerably, as he was then recovering his Wind, which was owing to Game; when they had box'd twenty-four minutes, Pettit threw Slack again over the rails. This indeed Slack suffered him to do, as by that means he fixed a blow under Pettit's ribs, that hurt him much. Whilst Slack was again getting upon the stage (it was not half a minute before he was remounted) Pettit had so much the fear of his antagonist before his eyes, that he walk'd off without so much as civilly taking leave of the spectators, or saying any thing to any person. This the ****ers call roguing of it; for it is thought Pettit run away full strong. The whole time of their fighting was twenty-five minutes; and this morning the Battle was given to Slack, who drew the first ten guineas out of the box." Thus ended this dreadful combat.

Every man, who has the honour of the British fist at heart, must look with admiration on the Bottom, the Wind, the Game, of this invincible champion Slack. How must they applaud his address in fighting strait; and with what detestation must they look upon his dastard antagonist, who could so shamefully rogue it!

I cannot but lament the cruelty of that law, which has shut up our Amphitheatres: and I look upon the professors of the noble art of Boxing as a kind of disbanded army, for whom we have made no provision. The mechanics, who at the call of glory left their mean occupation, are now obliged to have recourse to them again; and coachmen and barbers resume the whip and razor, instead of giving black eyes and cross-buttocks. Some have been forced to exercise their art in knocking down passengers in dark alleys and corners; while others have learned to open their fists and ply their fingers in picking pockets. Buckhorse, whose knuckles had been used to indent many a bruise, now clenches them only to grasp a lin; and Broughton employs the muscles of his brawny arm in squeezing a lemon or drawing a cork. His Amphitheatre itself is converted into a Methodist Meeting-house! and perhaps (as laymen are there admitted into the pulpit) those very fists, which so lately dealt such hearty bangs upon the stage, are now with equal vehemence thumping the cushion.

The dextrous use of the fist is truly British exercise: and the sturdy English have been as much renowned for their Boxing as their Beef; both which are by no means suited to the watry stomachs and weak sinews of their enemies the French. To this nutriment and this art is owing that long-established maxim, that one Englishman can beat three Frenchmen. A Frenchman, who piddles on a fricassee of frogs, can no more encounter with an Englishman, who feeds upon beef, than the frog in the fable could swell her little body to the size of an ox.

Our present race of spindle-shanked beaux had rather close with an orange wench at the playhouse, than engage in a bye battle at Tottenham Court. It is therefore no wonder, that they should object to this manly practice, for which they are so ill fitted. How can we imagine, that they could stand against the buffets of a bruiser when they might be patted down with the fan of a lady? An attempt was once made by Broughton to bring this study into vogue, by establishing a School for Boxing, in which he himself was to be the Lecturer. He invited the young gentlemen of the army, and all other men of spirit, to engage under his directions; and promised to arm their feeble wrists with muessirs, so that nothing might be apprehended by the sostest head or tenderest skin. A few indeed were hardy enough to try a fall with him: but most of our young fellows gave up the gauntlet for scented gloves; and loathing the mutton fists of vulgar carmen and porters, they rather chose to hang their hands in a sling, to make them white and delicate as a lady's. I cannot but regret, that this design was not generally encouraged, as it might perhaps have abolished almost the only use, that is at present made of the sword; and men of honour, instead of tilting at each other, might have had satisfaction in a tight Set-to behind Mountague House.

The amusement of Boxing I must confess is more immediately calculated for the vulgar, who can have no relish for the more refined pleasures of whist and the hazard table. Men of fashion have found out a more genteel employment for their hands in shuffling a pack of cards and shaking the dice: and indeed it will appear upon a strict review, that most of our fashionable diversions are nothing else but different branches of gaming. What lady would be able to boast a route at her house consisting of three or four hundred persons, if they were not to be drawn together by the charms of playing a rubber?

To this polite spirit of gaming, which has diffused itself through all the fashionable world, is owing the vast encouragement that is given to the Turf; and horse-races are esteemed only as they afford occasion for making a bet. The same spirit likewise draws the knowing ones together in a ****-pit; and ****s are rescued from the dunghill, and armed with gaffles, to furnish a new species of gaming. For this reason among others I cannot but regret the loss of our elegant amusements in Oxford Road and Tottenham ourt. A great part of the spectators used to be deeply interested in what was doing on the stage, and were as earnest to make an advantage of the issue of the battle, as the champions themselves to draw the largest sum from the box. The Amphitheatre was at once a school for boxing and gaming. Many thousands have depended upon a match; the odds have often risen at a black eye; a large bet has been occasioned by a cross-buttock: and while the house has resounded with the lusty bangs of the combatants, it has at the same time echoed with the cries of five to one, six to one, ten to one.

The loss of this branch of gaming is a publick calamity; and I doubt not but the gentlemen at White's, and all others whom it concerns, will use their endeavours to have it restored. The many Plates given all over the kingdom have undoubtedly improved our breed of horses; and if the diversion of Boxing was to meet with equal encouragement, we should certainly have a more stout and hardy race of bruisers. It might perhaps become a fashion for gentlemen, who were fond of the sport, to keep champions in training, put them in sweats, diet them, and breed up the human species with the same care as they do ****s and horses. In course of time this branch of gaming, like all others, would doubtless be reduced to a science; and Broughton, in imitation of that great genius Hoyle, might oblige the publick with a treatise of the Fist, and Calculations for laying the Odds at any Match of Boxing.

1755-02-15 Jackson's Oxford Journal (page 1)
London.
From the London Evening Post.

On Thursday last a great Boxing Match was fought at Bristol, between Harris and Slack, when Slack beat his Antagonist in about six Minutes. The Odds, at the Beginning of the Battle, were ten to one on Harris, occasioned by Slack's receiving the first Fall.


1755-03-07 The Derby Mercury (page 4)
London, March 11.

Thursday last was decided at Bristol, the great Boxing Match between John Slack and Cornelius Harris. The Battle lasted upwards of twenty Minutes, when Harris was obliged to confess he could fight no longer. It is said he is so much bruised, that he cannot recover.


1755-03-15 Jackson's Oxford Journal (page 1)
From the Utrecht Gazette.

London, Feb. 28.

Thursday last was decided at Bristol, the great Boxing Match between John Slack and Cornelius Harris. The Battle lasted upwards of twenty Minutes and was carried on with great Vigour on both Sides; but at last Mr. Harris was obliged to confess he could fight no longer. It is said, he is so much bruised that he cannot recover. On this Battle centred all the Hopes of that Family, who have now lost their boasted Honour of having never been beat.

 

1760-05-17 The Newcastle Courant (page 1)
LONDON, May 8.

We hear that the Nailer, the noted Bruiser, flushed with the Success he has already obtained, has, at the Request of some Gentlemen, sent a formal Challenge to Mr. Slack, now settled at Bristol, to meet and fight for any Sum.


1760-05-31 London Evening Post (page 3)
Yesterday, at the Tennis-Court near the Haymarket, after three bye Battles (one of which those versed in the Science deemed a remarkable good one) the Heroes, Slack and Stevens the Nailor, mounted the Stage; On their first Appearance, the Odds were twenty to one on Slack's Head; but in three Minutes the Nailor proved Conqueror, to the great Disappointment and Loss of the not Knowing Ones. This Battle, it is thought, may occasion, if the Civil Power permit, two more; one between the Heroes themselvea, and the other between their Seconds.


1760-06-03 The Leedes Intelligencer (page 2)
LONDON, May 29.

The Heroes of the Fist are likely to come into Play again. Hero Slack is matched for a considerable Sum against Stevenson the Nailer, to fight on Monday next at the Tennis-Court in James-street, near the Hay-market. If the latter should hit the right Nail on the Head, that no Doubt will occasion a second Trial of Skill, in which Butcher must come off victorious; This will be productive of a third Combat; the Event of which none knows, except those in the Secret.


1760-06-06 The Derby Mercury (page 1)
LONDON, June 5.

on Monday the famous Battle was fought between Slack and Stephens, the Nailer, at the Tennis-Court in James-Street, Haymarket, at which were present several Noblemen and Persons of Distinction. The Combatants had only three Bouts; in the first Slack struck his Antagonist a violent Blow on the Side of his Head; at the second, Stephens hit Slack under the short Ribs, and gave him a desperate Fall; and finally pursuing his Advantage, gave him so dreadful a Blow on his Stomach, that he lay for some Time senseless on the Stage, and was obliged, after about three Minutes and a half Contest, to submit to the superior Strength of his Adversary. The Streets were crowded with Spectators to see the Combatants pass and repass.

We hear that upwards of 10,000l. has been won and lost by the last Battle between Slack and the Nailer.

It is said that Slack very kindly advised the Nailer to make his Will, and get his Coffin ready, for he had but a short Time to live. Great Men like others are sometimes mistaken.

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 dependsing upon this Occasion, and the Gentlemen Gladiators expect excellent Diversion

1768-07-22 Lloyd's Evening Post (page 7)
Sunday se'nnight died Mr. Slack, Butcher, at Bristol; many years famous as a great Bruiser, and particularly for beating Mr. Broughton, of London.


Link to Heavyweight Champions from Ancient to Present

 

I referenced this before but The Bridgeport Telegram March 15, 1922 mentions Slack losing the title to George Taylor, but says he won it again. However it merely glosses over this and gives no details such as how Slack regained the title saying merely
"After Broughton camo Jack Slack, then George Taylor, then Slack again and a long succession of title holders and claimants. It Is of the time of Tom Cribb which we wish to tell about in the main"

It seems likely in my (uneducated) opinion, that they just decided this to not harm the lineage. I think I agree with Senya that the title lineage of this time largely seems to have been created in retrospect in the 1800's, as I'm yet to see any contemporary evidence of much of a lineage. A counter could be that they frequently refer to fighters by who they beat e.g. George Maggs, who a few years since beat the Nailer, at the Tennis-Court in the Haymarket, London,).

Add to this that at the time the word Champion had a different meaning, basically meaning a fighter in the match. Perhaps the above way fighters are referenced is a forerunner to the later idea of the Champion, however.

Whatever the truth, the lineage is atleast a conveniant way to summerise the history over a long period of time, and cover most of the important boxers.

Edit: Actually I just saw a report of the fight between Meggs and Stevens where a more modern concept of Champion seems to be used.