Jack Bartholomew (boxer)

Jack "Barty" Bartholomew, (1763-1803) in Brentford, Middlesex, England. Jack was a bare-knuckle boxer in England and reigned as Bare Knuckle Heavyweight Champion of England from 1797-1800.

Personal life

There is significant ambiguity concerning the personal details of Bartholomew's life. Some details have been uncovered through public service records and source interpretation by the IBRO's historian Jan Skotnicki

What is known is that Jack was a market gardener by trade.

Reign and Relevant Fights

Bartholomew defeated Tom Owen, the previous heavyweight champion on 22 August 1797 to become champion.  The bout lasted thirty minutes and took place in Moulsey Hurst, England.

Bartholomew's champion status was snatched by Jem Belcher on 15 May 1800, in Finchley Common, England in their second title-fight. The fight lasted twenty minutes, short in comparison to the forty minutes their previous bout had lasted.

Boxing Specifications and Style

Jack stood at 5'9" and weighed in at 168-175 lbs (based on his weight-class). Jack was backed by Lord Camelford, captain of the Royal Navy. Bartholomew was often described by promoters as a 'scientific' fighter who was 'fast' and 'hit hard'.

Death

Bartholomew died 14 July 1803, in Almonry, Westminster, England. He died of severe cirrhosis of the liver and was bed-ridden for the last few days of his life.