Photo of a boxing match from 1855

[JC]

This photo is supposed to be William Perry 'The Tipton Slasher' champion of England in the 1850s. Even if it's not him it's interesting as it may be the oldest photo of a boxing match. Whether it was an actual match or posed for the camera I don't know, but it gives an idea of what they would have looked like.

If it's in the black country (where Perry was from) the men are probably coal miners or maybe quarry men.

[Caractacus]

I'm not an expert, but is the photograph really from 1855 ?
Looks a little too advanced photography to be from then I would think.
what is the source for this photograph and the claim ?

[JC]

I'm not an expert, but is the photograph really from 1855 ?
Looks a little too advanced photography to be from then I would think.
what is the source for this photograph and the claim ?

Here's the source, it lists the provenance, etc – https://www.rct.uk/collection/2906200/a-set-to

For what it's worth, the clothing of the crowd behind looks about right for that time period to me.

[Caractacus]

And down thru the ages, the HAIR..... THE HAIR !!!...

[hhaehre]

I'm not an expert, but is the photograph really from 1855 ?
Looks a little too advanced photography to be from then I would think.

And you would be wrong. There are plenty of good quality photos from that era, many better than this one.