One Time Too Many: The Comebacks

[HomicideHenry]

Probably the earliest best documented failed comeback in ring history was of Jack Broughton's unsuccessful return to the prize ring in 1750. Broughton, of course, had retired back in 1744 undefeated as champion and since then had opened up an amphitheatre which showcased prize fights as well as bear baiting. He also taught several willing men the arts of not only pugilism, but of swordsmanship.

In 1750, however, he came back and into the ring against the well known and feared Jack Slack. Why he came out of retirement is up for speculation. Broughton had been out of the ring for six years, and outside of maybe an exhibition or two while teaching his pupils how to box, its doubtful he had any real tune up in preperation for the encounter.

After 14 minutes of fighting the inevitable, the 46 year old Broughton was blinded for life in one eye and his other was swollen shut. Broughton's friend/backer the Duke of Cumberland had evidentially wagered 10,000 pounds on his man to win and was furious. Broughton, in perhaps the saddest line I've ever heard from a fighter, said to the Duke: "I cant see my man, your Highness, I am blind but not beaten."

Cumberland accused Broughton of throwing the fight, and sought revenge. He tried to have Parliment pass a bill to ban boxing and Broughton's rules of boxing, but in the end, it was Broughton's amphitheatre that was closed. The two were never friends again.