BARE KNUCKLE BOYS
On a cold February night in 1892, Jack Wannop’s cosy gymnasium in New Cross, South-East London, was packed to the rafters. Smoking, cheering, bowler-hat-wearing men filled the venue, wedged in around the boxing and wrestling rings, weightlifting area and hanging punch bags. Money exchanged hands, hip flasks were sipped, and after a couple of six-round spars and exhibition wrestling it was time for the much-anticipated main event.
Two locals, Steve and Tom, approached the ‘squared circle’, the broad-shouldered and long-limbed Steve clearly having the size advantage. Tom grinned confidently, but a hesitant Steve needed words of encouragement from his backer, Deptford greengrocer Alf ‘Nobler’ Fry. Master of ceremonies Warren ‘Dais’ Patte introduced the contestants, and the pair entered the ring at last.
A bell rang and Tom leapt forward, grasping Steve around the stomach with his left arm while hooking a leg with his right. Mustering every ounce of strength, Tom heaved Steve up and
