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Bryan Swartz · 09-02-2014, 01:24 PM

Fall/Winter 1860

9.21 Jem 'The Gypsy' Mace vs. Sam Hurst

Just like the first fight, there was only sporadic action early and Mace used his movement and ability to score consistently from outside to keep Hurst at bay most of the time. In the 4th and 5th rounds, he started to work his way inside better and eliminated some of that early advantage. It was a short-lived rally though, and all he could do most of the time was land the occasional big shot without enough to back it up. By the 8th round fatigue became an obvious factor with Hurst the more tired of the two.

Little changes in the closing rounds though Hurst did get in a couple good shots in the 12th to end it. The cards show 116-113 for Mace, 114-114, and 115-114 Mace -- a lot closer than I expected but Jem Mace wins again by majority decision to retain the title. His defensive style of 'clinch and move' is not as fun to watch as the North American sluggers, but it's hard to argue with his results.

9.28 TBCT I Champions Loser's Bracket: George McChester vs. Yankee Sullivan

This is the first elimination bout, though with only five fighters all will get another chance in a decade. An immediate warning for a complete unnecessary low blow by Sullivan, but he dominated the first round anyway. Another very busy second and midway through it some damage to McChester's right eye was already visible. A good comeback makes the third the first decent round for McChester, who is warned to keep his punches up as well. A crushing hook late in the fourth staggers Sullivan, but he stays up and clearly outpointed McChester that round as well.

A big right early in the fifth to Sullivan's rib cage takes some wind out of his sails -- he's clearly winning this but doesn't have nearly the power behind his punches that his opponent does. Again he's hurt in the sixth, this time by an uppercut. McChester seems to have found a winning strategy of landing a big shot early in a round, then following it up by outpunching Sullivan in the rest.

In the second half of the fight, Sullivan returned to the better defense of the opening rounds and didn't let much get through his guard. He was much the fresher fighter, but beginning midway through the 12th McChester began to find the range again. A point deduction on Sullivan for more low punches in the 14th, a round he was winning, looked like it might be just enough of a crack to leave the result in doubt. It was closer than expected, but Yankee Sullivan wins by unanimous decision, 146-142 twice and 145-143 on the third card. McChester just couldn't land quite enough haymakers against his defensive approach.

9.28 TBCT I Champions Winner's Bracket Final: Tom Hyer vs. Bill 'The Butcher' Poole

These two need no introduction to each other. Hyer was 8-3-3 in 14 meetings, and is expected to win again here. After a decent first round, it was the Butcher who took the early lead in this one, mixing caution and aggression with surprising effectiveness. A dominant sixth gave Hyer a chance to change the momentum, but Poole turned the tables again in the 7th. Back to Hyer in the 8th ... it looked like it could swing either way.

The next two-plus went to the Butcher, but then a big combo in the 11th put him down and nearly out as he was only up at the count of 9. Hyer seized the opportunity with a withering barrage, as much punishment as I've ever seen dished out in a single round, yet Poole survived the onslaught. After an even 12th it was anyone's guess how this would end.

Hyer had another dominant round in the 13th, and Poole appeared to be on his last legs. There was an exchange of power punches early in the final round, but neither man could follow it up and the judges would have the final say. What would a final be without a little controversy? 143-141 Hyer, 142-141 Poole, and 144-141 as Tom Hyer wins a closer than expected fight in a comeback victory. The Butcher has been overachieving all year and he'll have a chance to come through the loser's bracket, while Hyer has the advantage of being able to afford a loss when his challenger is determined.

12.21 Jem 'The Gypsy' Mace vs. Joe Coburn

Rather suprising developments early, after a ho-hum bore of a fight earlier in the year, both men were fortunate to still be standing after a first round that saw them exchange heavy blows with no clear edge to either. Subsequent rounds were more of the less compelling 'clinch and move' style, though still a bit more active than last fight. The first three were close, then a masterful fourth saw Mace tag Coburn several times while avoiding any significant damage himself. Some good inside work in the 5th by his Irish challenger pretty much negated that, however. A point deduction for a low blow late in the 6th by Coburn was really the only difference at the halfway point -- you could virtually flip a coin on how this one would be scored so far.

A big right hand late contributed to a strong 7th round by the challenger, and Mace looked like he was in serious danger of losing his throne. He was more aggressive in the 8th, and Coburn spent so much time defending he didn't throw much of anything, negated the fact that many of the champion's shots didn't get through. Another good round in the 9th left him back in control.

A strong 12th had Mace scoring repeatedly from outside, his best round of the day, and appeared to be just enough to give him a clear margin. 115-113, 114-114, and 115-114, it's another just-enough defense by majority decision for Jem Mace. One of these days his luck is going to run out, but not today.

12.28 TBCT I Champions Loser's Bracket: Massa 'The New Black' Kendrick vs. Yankee Sullivan

Kendrick has a chance here to show he was better than his first fight demonstrated, while Sullivan can take the next step towards a rematch with Hyer after a controversial loss. It was soon clear that this was the sort of 'fight' that a man might have with an insect -- Kendrick just was not in Sullivan's league. Midway through the fifth 'The New Black' hit the deck for the first time, up quickly at 2. After several more shots with no real resistance, it's called at 2:19, a 5th-round TKO for Yankee Sullivan.

It's clear boxing didn't lose all that much by not getting to see Massa Kendrick more -- he's just been a sitting duck both times out.

12.31 -- After losing his fifth straight, a split decision to Thompson, is Lilly(26-37-8, 1 KO) retires. He is the final member of the American Quintet and the first fighter to retire who won't make the Champions Group. He was definitely out of his depth early in his career, but did have two title shots in 1855 and 1856. Unfortunately they were against Morrisey in his prime, both losses by decision.

North American Rankings(Heavyweight)

#1 John Morrisey(USA, 31-6-7, 11 KO)
#2 John C Heenan(USA, 19-8-0, 9 KO)
#3 Mike McCoole(USA, 11-8-2, 2 KO)
#4 George Thompson(USA, 18-19-1, 4 KO)
NR Sam Collyer(USA, LW, 3-1-0)
NR St John Tommy Kelly(CAN, FW, 7-3-1, 2 KO)
NR Harry McCort(USA, FW, 3-2-3)
NR Martin Neary(USA, 0-8-2)
NR Billy Parkinson(USA, FW, 1-2-1)
NR George Rooke(USA, 1-1-1, 1 KO)

The youth movement is definitely underway, but much of it at lighter weights. Exactly what will happen with this is very uncertain.

European Rankings(Heavyweight)

CH Jem Mace(ENG, 32-2-6, 4 KO)
#1 George Seddons(ENG, FW, 8-5-3, 1 KO)
#2 Sam Hurst(ENG, 17-16-7, 2 KO)
#3 Joe Coburn(IRL, 7-13-6)
#4 Tom Sayers(ENG, 17-16-9, 1 KO)
#5 Joe Goss(ENG, 4-10-6)
#6 Pat McGowan(IRL, 3-22-3, 1 KO)
NR Tom Allen(ENG, 5-5-1)
NR Mike Coburn(ENG, BW, 2-4-1)
NR Jim Dunn(IRL, 1-0-0)
NR George Holden(ENG, BW, 1-20)
NR Bob Smith(ENG, WW, 5-5-0)

George Seddons is the new face and flavor of the month, having backed up a solid beginner campaign with a win over Sayers. He's probably just one win away from a title shot right now despite the size differential, and Jem Mace's 9 wins in a row figure to probably come to an end soon .... Meanwhile there is a pretty even split here too between heavyweights and lighter fighters, a trend that is expected to cause some chaos down the line.

09-02-2014, 01:24 PM	#14
Bryan Swartz Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 457	Fall/Winter 1860 9.21 Jem 'The Gypsy' Mace vs. Sam Hurst Just like the first fight, there was only sporadic action early and Mace used his movement and ability to score consistently from outside to keep Hurst at bay most of the time. In the 4th and 5th rounds, he started to work his way inside better and eliminated some of that early advantage. It was a short-lived rally though, and all he could do most of the time was land the occasional big shot without enough to back it up. By the 8th round fatigue became an obvious factor with Hurst the more tired of the two. Little changes in the closing rounds though Hurst did get in a couple good shots in the 12th to end it. The cards show 116-113 for Mace, 114-114, and 115-114 Mace -- a lot closer than I expected but Jem Mace wins again by majority decision to retain the title. His defensive style of 'clinch and move' is not as fun to watch as the North American sluggers, but it's hard to argue with his results. 9.28 TBCT I Champions Loser's Bracket: George McChester vs. Yankee Sullivan This is the first elimination bout, though with only five fighters all will get another chance in a decade. An immediate warning for a complete unnecessary low blow by Sullivan, but he dominated the first round anyway. Another very busy second and midway through it some damage to McChester's right eye was already visible. A good comeback makes the third the first decent round for McChester, who is warned to keep his punches up as well. A crushing hook late in the fourth staggers Sullivan, but he stays up and clearly outpointed McChester that round as well. A big right early in the fifth to Sullivan's rib cage takes some wind out of his sails -- he's clearly winning this but doesn't have nearly the power behind his punches that his opponent does. Again he's hurt in the sixth, this time by an uppercut. McChester seems to have found a winning strategy of landing a big shot early in a round, then following it up by outpunching Sullivan in the rest. In the second half of the fight, Sullivan returned to the better defense of the opening rounds and didn't let much get through his guard. He was much the fresher fighter, but beginning midway through the 12th McChester began to find the range again. A point deduction on Sullivan for more low punches in the 14th, a round he was winning, looked like it might be just enough of a crack to leave the result in doubt. It was closer than expected, but Yankee Sullivan wins by unanimous decision, 146-142 twice and 145-143 on the third card. McChester just couldn't land quite enough haymakers against his defensive approach. 9.28 TBCT I Champions Winner's Bracket Final: Tom Hyer vs. Bill 'The Butcher' Poole These two need no introduction to each other. Hyer was 8-3-3 in 14 meetings, and is expected to win again here. After a decent first round, it was the Butcher who took the early lead in this one, mixing caution and aggression with surprising effectiveness. A dominant sixth gave Hyer a chance to change the momentum, but Poole turned the tables again in the 7th. Back to Hyer in the 8th ... it looked like it could swing either way. The next two-plus went to the Butcher, but then a big combo in the 11th put him down and nearly out as he was only up at the count of 9. Hyer seized the opportunity with a withering barrage, as much punishment as I've ever seen dished out in a single round, yet Poole survived the onslaught. After an even 12th it was anyone's guess how this would end. Hyer had another dominant round in the 13th, and Poole appeared to be on his last legs. There was an exchange of power punches early in the final round, but neither man could follow it up and the judges would have the final say. What would a final be without a little controversy? 143-141 Hyer, 142-141 Poole, and 144-141 as Tom Hyer wins a closer than expected fight in a comeback victory. The Butcher has been overachieving all year and he'll have a chance to come through the loser's bracket, while Hyer has the advantage of being able to afford a loss when his challenger is determined. 12.21 Jem 'The Gypsy' Mace vs. Joe Coburn Rather suprising developments early, after a ho-hum bore of a fight earlier in the year, both men were fortunate to still be standing after a first round that saw them exchange heavy blows with no clear edge to either. Subsequent rounds were more of the less compelling 'clinch and move' style, though still a bit more active than last fight. The first three were close, then a masterful fourth saw Mace tag Coburn several times while avoiding any significant damage himself. Some good inside work in the 5th by his Irish challenger pretty much negated that, however. A point deduction for a low blow late in the 6th by Coburn was really the only difference at the halfway point -- you could virtually flip a coin on how this one would be scored so far. A big right hand late contributed to a strong 7th round by the challenger, and Mace looked like he was in serious danger of losing his throne. He was more aggressive in the 8th, and Coburn spent so much time defending he didn't throw much of anything, negated the fact that many of the champion's shots didn't get through. Another good round in the 9th left him back in control. A strong 12th had Mace scoring repeatedly from outside, his best round of the day, and appeared to be just enough to give him a clear margin. 115-113, 114-114, and 115-114, it's another just-enough defense by majority decision for Jem Mace. One of these days his luck is going to run out, but not today. 12.28 TBCT I Champions Loser's Bracket: Massa 'The New Black' Kendrick vs. Yankee Sullivan Kendrick has a chance here to show he was better than his first fight demonstrated, while Sullivan can take the next step towards a rematch with Hyer after a controversial loss. It was soon clear that this was the sort of 'fight' that a man might have with an insect -- Kendrick just was not in Sullivan's league. Midway through the fifth 'The New Black' hit the deck for the first time, up quickly at 2. After several more shots with no real resistance, it's called at 2:19, a 5th-round TKO for Yankee Sullivan. It's clear boxing didn't lose all that much by not getting to see Massa Kendrick more -- he's just been a sitting duck both times out. 12.31 -- After losing his fifth straight, a split decision to Thompson, is Lilly(26-37-8, 1 KO) retires. He is the final member of the American Quintet and the first fighter to retire who won't make the Champions Group. He was definitely out of his depth early in his career, but did have two title shots in 1855 and 1856. Unfortunately they were against Morrisey in his prime, both losses by decision. North American Rankings(Heavyweight) #1 John Morrisey(USA, 31-6-7, 11 KO) #2 John C Heenan(USA, 19-8-0, 9 KO) #3 Mike McCoole(USA, 11-8-2, 2 KO) #4 George Thompson(USA, 18-19-1, 4 KO) NR Sam Collyer(USA, LW, 3-1-0) NR St John Tommy Kelly(CAN, FW, 7-3-1, 2 KO) NR Harry McCort(USA, FW, 3-2-3) NR Martin Neary(USA, 0-8-2) NR Billy Parkinson(USA, FW, 1-2-1) NR George Rooke(USA, 1-1-1, 1 KO) The youth movement is definitely underway, but much of it at lighter weights. Exactly what will happen with this is very uncertain. European Rankings(Heavyweight) CH Jem Mace(ENG, 32-2-6, 4 KO) #1 George Seddons(ENG, FW, 8-5-3, 1 KO) #2 Sam Hurst(ENG, 17-16-7, 2 KO) #3 Joe Coburn(IRL, 7-13-6) #4 Tom Sayers(ENG, 17-16-9, 1 KO) #5 Joe Goss(ENG, 4-10-6) #6 Pat McGowan(IRL, 3-22-3, 1 KO) NR Tom Allen(ENG, 5-5-1) NR Mike Coburn(ENG, BW, 2-4-1) NR Jim Dunn(IRL, 1-0-0) NR George Holden(ENG, BW, 1-20) NR Bob Smith(ENG, WW, 5-5-0) George Seddons is the new face and flavor of the month, having backed up a solid beginner campaign with a win over Sayers. He's probably just one win away from a title shot right now despite the size differential, and Jem Mace's 9 wins in a row figure to probably come to an end soon .... Meanwhile there is a pretty even split here too between heavyweights and lighter fighters, a trend that is expected to cause some chaos down the line.