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Heenan/Sayers Boxing Medal (112542)

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Sports - Boxing Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 400.00 USD
Heenan/Sayers Boxing Medal  (112542)
SOLD
350.00USDto c******o+ buyer's premium (87.50)
This item SOLD at 2020 Feb 17 @ 12:02UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Rare, almost uncirculated, HK 10, 10-20 known. High relief medal, 34 mm, white metal. Struck by F. B. Smith and Hartman of New York. Obv.: John C. Heenan, The Champion of America / (portrait) ; Rev.: The Great / International / Prize Fight / Between / Heenan & Sayers / For The / Championship / Of The World / Fought / April 1860. The fight came off at Farnborough, Hampshire on 17 April. In a fierce and protracted battle, both men were hurt early: Sayers by an injury to his right arm in the 6th round, and Heenan by being unable to see through his swollen right eye, an injury he picked up in the 7th round.The action went on for forty-two rounds spread over more than two hours, by the end of which Heenan's face was badly cut and bruised.



The defining moment came in the 37th round when Heenan strangled Sayers by forcing his head down over the top rope. Amidst scenes of chaos, the ropes were cut, the crowd surged into the fighting area.

The mayhem brought on by the ring invasion was brought to near-order and the ring was re-pitched yards away. The fight restarted with neither man able to box proficiently. Heenan was to say much later that he was nearly blind when the second bout began. The fight went on for five rounds until the police were seen approaching, causing the crowd and fighters to immediately disperse.

The referee had little option but to declare a draw. Heenan loudly demanded a rematch, but Sayers's damaged arm made this impossible, and the two men were finally reconciled, each being awarded a championship belt.

Provenance: John Reynolds Collection
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Date: 1860