Caleb Baldwin
Encyclopedia
Caleb Ramsbottom aka Caleb Baldwin, was a premiere lightweight boxer of the bare-knuckle
era in England.
During the years following the win against Smith, Baldwin, now known as "The Pride of Westminster," established himself as the leading small fighter in England and was regarded by many, unofficially, as the champion of the division. In 1792 he fought to a draw against Paddington Tom Jones
. In 1804, Baldwin was matched with Dutch Sam
, a future hall of famer who was also making a name for himself at the same time. Baldwin was the bigger man and used this to his advantage, but tired in the later rounds until the fight was stopped in Sam's favor after thirty-seven rounds. This was the only known loss of Baldwin's career.
Baldwin fought just twice more, both draws, over the next several years and retired in 1816 with a 13-1-1 record.
Bare-knuckle boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing is the original form of boxing, closely related to ancient combat sports...
era in England.
Professional career
Baldwin's first recorded organized prize fight took place in 1786, when he bested a London porkpickler named Jim Gregory. Later that year, English boxing champion Tom Johnson saw Baldwin fighting another man and became his patron. Johnson funded Baldwin's next fight, against highly regarded Arthur "Gypsy" Smith, a bout Baldwin dominated.During the years following the win against Smith, Baldwin, now known as "The Pride of Westminster," established himself as the leading small fighter in England and was regarded by many, unofficially, as the champion of the division. In 1792 he fought to a draw against Paddington Tom Jones
Paddington Tom Jones
Paddington Jones was a boxer from 1785 to 1805.-Career:Jones is credited with having fought more bouts and seconded more pugilists than any person before him...
. In 1804, Baldwin was matched with Dutch Sam
Dutch Sam
Samuel Elias , was a professional boxing pioneer and was active between the years 1801 and 1814. Known as the hardest hitter of his era, he earned the nickname "The Man with the Iron Hand".-Pro career:Dutch Sam is known as "the discoverer of the right hand uppercut...
, a future hall of famer who was also making a name for himself at the same time. Baldwin was the bigger man and used this to his advantage, but tired in the later rounds until the fight was stopped in Sam's favor after thirty-seven rounds. This was the only known loss of Baldwin's career.
Baldwin fought just twice more, both draws, over the next several years and retired in 1816 with a 13-1-1 record.
External links
- IBHOF Bio http://www.ibhof.com/baldwin.htm