Harry Broome

Harry Broome (1826-1865) was a boxer from the bareknuckle fighting era. Born in Birmingham, he became heavyweight champion of England in 1851 when he defeated William Perry, the "Tipton Slasher".

Early life

Born in Birmingham in 1826, Harry Broome (full name Henry Alfred Broome)[1] was the younger brother of Johnny Broome whose example he followed in becoming a bareknuckle boxer in England.[2]

Boxing career

His fighting career started on 11 October 1843 when he took on and beat Fred Mason at Northfleet.[1][3]

In 1844 he was matched with Joe Rowe for £50 a side. After a fight lasting 90 minutes and consisting of 81 rounds, the bout was interrupted when the ring was broken and the crowd rioted.[1] Broome subsequently beat Rowe in a rearranged fight in May 1845.[4]

Broome's next fight was against Ben Terry of Birmingham. The bout took place on 3 February 1846 and ended being declared a draw after a furious dispute broke out over a claimed "foul" which led to the referee fleeing the scene of the fight.[4]

Broome's career reached a peak in 1851 when, fighting above his weight, he defeated William Perry, the Tipton Slasher.[2] The match took place on 29 September 1851. Broome was awarded victory after Perry committed a 'foul' by striking Broome whilst he was on his knees.[4] The outcome of this fight enabled Broome to claim the title of heavyweight champion of England.

On 18 April 1853, Harry Broome fought Harry Orme. Broome was victorious after a fight lasting 31 rounds.[2]

His final fight was against Tom Paddock on 19 May 1856 at Bentley in Sussex. Broome lost the bout after a fight lasting 51 rounds.[1]

After retirement

After finishing his fighting career he kept a pub in Portsmouth and later kept the "Crown and Cushion" in Little Russell Street, London.[1]

He died on 2 November 1865 and was buried in Norwood Cemetery in the same tomb as his brother, Johnny Broome.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "HARRY BROOME, THE EX-CHAMPION". Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Chronicle. 3 February 1866. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Miles, Henry Downes (1906). Pugilistica. Edinburgh: J. Grant. pp. 308–339.
  3. ↑ Famous fights, past and present. 2. London. 1901. pp. 264–265. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 Henning, Fred (1902). Fights for the championship : the men and their times. London: Licensed victuallers' gazette. pp. 337–366.
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