The Sun.
London, England, 1859-04-06 00:00:00

PUGILISM.

-
THOMAS SAYERS AND WILLIAM BENJAMIN FOR £2OO A
SIDE AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP OP ENOLAND.—Again has
the event that produced so much discussion among the
patrons of the ring been decided, and again have the
prowess, strength, and skill of Tom Sayers enabled him to
prove triumphant. This was the second time that Sayers
and Benjamin have met within the " squared circle" called
the ring. Their first encounter, which, like the present one,
involved the claim to the champion's belt, took place on the
sth of January, 1858, when Benjamin, who was quite a
novice, was defeated in six minutes and a half, there being
only three rounds. Those who: witnessed his maiden
effort expected he would never again meet Sayers within
the ropes. In this opinion they were soon to find them-
selves mistaken, for the gentleman who backed him against
Sayers on the first occasion, thinking he was of improv-
ing stuff, was resolved to give him the opportunity of once
more entering the lists with his victorious opponent.
When the second match was proposed it created the utmost
surprise in sporting circles, and it was not until a great
portion of the money had been deposited that it
was believed Benjamin could intend the meeting.
Soon after the making of the match Benjamin was placed
under the monitorial guidance of the well-known Bendigo,
of Nottingham, who did all that skill and experience could
suggest to get his man in tip-top condition. The result was
such as to inspire his friends with confidence, as regarded
the fitness of their man for the encounter. In make,
height, and muscular proportions, Benjamin is a fine
fellow, and certainly, when he entered the ring, it did not
by any means look impossible for him to have a chance of
winning, more particularly as he was said to have im-
mensely improved in his knowledge of the art since he had
been under the tuition of the "bold Bendy." Notwith-
standing this, Sayers was backed at the most tempting
odds, his friends freely laying 4 and 5 to 1. The most
satisfactory arrangements were made, a "special" being
chartered to convey the belligerents and their friends to
the scene of action. The assembly took place at London-
bridge, at seven o'clock, a.m., yesterday morning, and
after a pleasant journey, of some sixty odd miles from the
metropolis, the ring was formed by the commissary, on a
ground not before visited by the "fancy." There was a
strong muster of " Corinthians" on this occasion. The
inner ring, under the management of inspector Billy Dun-
can, assisted by Keene, and aided by the rest of the offi-
cially appointed staff, was perfect, and gave great satisfac-
tion. In the whole, we should say that there could not
have been less than 2,000 spectators present, still the most
perfect order was maintained. Sayers on entering the
ropes, had behind him the eccentric Jerry Noon, and Harry
Brunton; while Jack Macdonald and Bendigo did the at-
tentive to Benjamin. Sayers, who was full of confidence,
looked remarkably well, but when he came to throw off his
outer garments it became apparent that he was too fleshy.
The fact is, Tom had evidently made light of the match,
and considering it little better than a gift, had not
taken that care of himself which he should have done.
We do not, by any means, consider this prudent, as Tom
has too much at stake whenever he enters the ring to
throw away the least possible chance. All being in readi-
ness, the combatants were conducted to the scratch and
left to begin the contest. Benjamin had unquestianably
improved since ho first met Sayers, and for three or four
rounds made himself busy in the exchanges, getting on to
..the champion with such force as to gain the first of the
three events. His friends were in ecstasies, but the*
exultation was soon to receive a severe check, for Tom,
having got the measure of his man, took a most decided
lead. The seventh round was of a most desperate descrip-
tion, in which Tom planted on his man terrifically. From
this moment Benjamin had not a chance left, and so entirely
fruitless became his efforts, that on the termination of the
eleventh round his seconds threw up the sponge in token of
defeat, the battle having lasted exactly twenty-two minutes.
It may be stated that Sayers won with consummate ease.
There is certainly a great improvement in Benjamin since
he last fought, but still, with such a competitor as the
Champion, the game was hopeless.
Bon TRAVERS AND MIKE MADDEN FOR MOO A-SIDE.

—No sooner had the great event been decided than the
once-renowned Mike and Bob Travers, the black,
entered the ring to decide their claims to fistic skill
and the above stake. The result of the contest is soon
told, for this is another instance that youth and
strength are advantages too formidable for even the
gamest of "old uns"—and for pluck Mike never was
in the ring excelled—to contend against. In the whole,
45 rounds (occupying 1 hour and 34 minutes) were fought,
when Madden, who never had the least chance against his
more youthful and agile opponeat, was compelled to cry,
" Hold, enough I" Mike was much crest-fallen at the easy
defeat he had sustained, and on leaving the ring displayed
heavy Punishment, while tho Black, on he contrary, ap-
peared to be little marked.
808 WElnt AND Joz WINN., FOR £so.—These men were
to have fought in the same ring for £25 a-side, but imme-
diately on the conclusion of the contest between Madden
and Travers, the police made their appearance, and hostili-
ties had to be deferred to some future occasion.
We had nigh ferEfot to mention that on the ground a