Randall, the Irish Lad and Belasco, the Jew Champion

Charles Williams
London, (1817)
Published by S. W. Fores, 41 Picadilly
Etching, drypoint engraving, aquatint, hand-colored with water color
[32.7 x 46.7 cm]

This fight took place at Shepperton-Point near Oatlands, on Tuesday Septr. 30, 1817 in a 24 Feet ring, for 50 Guineas a side; and after a contest of 54 Minutes was decided in favor of RANDALL. The Morning Chronicle, Bell's Weekly Dispatch, Ducket's and other Newspapers, state this fight to have been, ON BOTH SIDE, the finest display of Science and bodily activity witnessed for many Years.
In the art of pugilism, Abraham (Abe) Belasco was a worthy protege of Mendoza who successfully accompanied his master on exhibition tours. Although defeated in over seven rounds by Jack Randall, Belasco won the majority of his fights. After his retirement from the ring in 1824, he quickly declined into obscurity and abject poverty. William's rather stylized portrait captures him at the height of his powers.

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