James Belcher facts for kids

Portrait of Jem Belcher, circa 1800

James Belcher, also known as Jem Belcher (born 15 April 1781 – died 30 July 1811), was a famous English bare-knuckle boxer. He was the Champion of All England from 1800 to 1805. Bare-knuckle boxing was an early form of boxing where fighters did not wear gloves.

Early Life and Start in Boxing

Jem Belcher was born in Bristol, England, in 1781. His grandfather, Jack Slack, was also a well-known fighter. Even though Jem didn't have a formal apprenticeship, he worked as a butcher.

From a young age, Jem was known for his fighting skills. People said he had a natural and "elegant" fighting style. He was also described as good-humored and handsome.

In 1798, he moved to London. There, he practiced with an experienced boxer named Bill Warr. Warr quickly saw that Belcher was incredibly talented and could beat anyone.

Early Fights and Becoming Champion

Jem had his first big fight on 12 April 1799. He defeated Tom Jones of Paddington in a fight that lasted 33 minutes.

Later that year, he fought the champion, Jack Bartholomew. Their first fight in 1799 ended in a draw after 51 rounds. But in a rematch on 18 May 1800, 19-year-old Belcher knocked out 37-year-old Bartholomew in 17 rounds. This win made Jem Belcher the new champion!

On 22 December 1800, Belcher fought Andrew Gamble, the Irish champion. Jem won surprisingly fast, in only five rounds. Gamble was amazed by Belcher's speed.

In 1801, he fought Joe Berks of Wem and won after 16 tough rounds. They fought again in 1802, and Belcher won again. Berks was very tired and hurt by the end of the fight.

A Life-Changing Injury

In July 1803, something unfortunate happened to Jem. He lost an eye while playing a game called racquetball. This injury greatly affected his boxing career.

Because of his injury, his friends bought him a pub called "Jolly Brewers." There, he put on boxing shows and met a young boxer named Henry Pearce. Jem became Henry's manager and helped him become a great fighter. Many people thought Henry would become the next champion.

The Fight for the Title

In 1805, Jem Belcher decided to return to the boxing ring. He didn't want to give up his title without a fight. He invited Henry Pearce to London for a championship match.

Their big fight happened on 6 December 1805. Jem showed his old speed and power, but his injured eye made it hard to judge distances. After 18 rounds, Henry Pearce defeated him. Henry never fought again after this match and sadly passed away in 1809.

Last Fights and Retirement

After losing to Henry Pearce, Jem Belcher fought two more times against Tom Cribb. In their first fight on 8 April 1807, Belcher lost after 41 rounds. His vision and a sprained wrist made it difficult for him.

Their second fight was on 1 February 1809. Belcher lost again after 31 rounds. Many people believed that if Jem had been at his best, he would have won. This was Jem Belcher's last fight.

Legacy and Nicknames

Jem Belcher was known by cool nicknames like "the Napoleon of the Ring" and "the Black Diamond." People said he was one of the greatest fighters ever. They especially admired his incredible speed, saying, "you heard his blows, you did not see them."

He was also known for being good-humored and modest outside the ring. A famous bulldog named Trusty was even left to him by a friend.

Jem Belcher was so famous that a type of neckerchief, a blue-and-white spotted handkerchief, was named after him. It's still sometimes called a "belcher."

Death

Jem Belcher passed away on 30 July 1811, at the Coach and Horses pub in London. He was buried in Marylebone. His health had declined due to his many boxing matches and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Tom Belcher

Jem's younger brother, Tom Belcher, was also a skilled boxer. He won many fights against other well-known boxers. He was known for being a gentleman and a good boxer.

Tom Belcher passed away in London on 9 December 1854, at 71 years old. He is buried in Nunhead Cemetery.

External Sources

• Chapter on Jem Belcher in Boxiana, or Sketches of Ancient and Modern Pugilism volume 1, 1830, Pierce Egan
• Chapter on Jem Belcher in Pugilistica, the History of British Boxing volume 1, 1906, Henry Downes Miles

Sources

• Pierce Egan. Boxiana, or, Sketches of ancient and modern pugilism; from the days of the renowned Broughton and Slack, to the heroes of the present milling æra! (1812)
• William Oxberry, Pancratia, or a History of Pugilism (1812)

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Belcher, James". Dictionary of National Biography (supplement). (1901). London: Smith, Elder & Co.