The fight that shook England – Cann vs. Polkinghorne, 1826
With today’s 199 year anniversary of this famous match, we wanted to take the time to consider this major event in the history of Westcountry Wrestling.
Picture this: thousands of spectators packed tightly together, tension thick in the air, as two legendary athletes prepare to face off in a contest that has captured the imagination of an entire nation. No, this isn’t Las Vegas 2015 – this is Devonport, England, October 1826. Let’s dive into a descriptive account of the match found in the DWS archives.
When Titans clashed
Long before boxing megafights dominated pay-per-view or NFL championships commanded global attention, a different type of sporting spectacle captivated the British public: wrestling. And no match generated more excitement than the showdown between Abraham Cann of Devon and James Polkinhorn of Cornwall.
This wasn’t just any contest – this was the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao of its era. Two undefeated champions, representing rival counties with distinct wrestling traditions, facing off with an astonishing 100 sovereigns at stake (equivalent to approximately £13,000 today).
The physical mismatch
What made this contest particularly fascinating was the dramatic physical disparity between the competitors. Polkinhorn was the imposing force – standing at 5’10½”, weighing 14 stone 6 pounds (about 200 lbs), with a bull-like neck and shoulders that radiated raw power. Contemporary accounts described him as having “the appearance of immense strength.”
Cann, by contrast, was the smaller technician – just 5’6¾”, weighing a mere 9 stone 12 pounds (about 138 lbs). Despite giving up over 60 pounds to his opponent, Cann was still the betting favorite, with odds of 20-to-10 offered “without a single taker.”
The spectacle
The atmosphere at Morice Town, Devonport was electric. Between 7,000-9,000 spectators gathered around a specially constructed ring, with tiered seating erected to accommodate the massive crowd. People traveled from across Devon and Cornwall to witness this legendary confrontation.
The match itself was brutal and tactical. Cann, despite his size disadvantage, employed Devon wrestling’s distinctive kicking techniques, wearing a shoe on his right foot only. Polkinhorn relied on his tremendous strength, attempting to use what reporters called the “hugging system” to overpower his smaller opponent.
The controversy
After three grueling rounds of combat that left both men exhausted, the match ended in controversy. Following a particularly punishing exchange in which Polkinhorn had thrown Cann to the ground, the Cornish champion left the ring, refusing to continue.
Cann, showing the heart of a true champion, remained in the ring for nearly an hour, awaiting his opponent’s return. The Devonshire committee claimed victory for their man on the grounds that “he kept possession of the field” – a principle as old as combat sports itself.
The aftermath
The disputed outcome generated heated debate throughout both counties. Newspaper accounts from both sides claimed victory, with rivalries intensifying through printed accusations and counter-accusations.
Within days, Cann’s backers issued a bold challenge: a rematch “next week, next month, or next spring” for the same stake, under neutral officials from neither county. They even offered to meet “the three best men in Cornwall” if Polkinhorn wasn’t considered their champion.
Lessons from History
What’s fascinating about this centuries-old sporting controversy is how little has changed in combat sports. Like Mayweather-Pacquiao, which took years to negotiate before finally happening in 2015, this was a long-anticipated match between representatives of different fighting styles. The financial stakes were enormous for the era. The aftermath was filled with accusations, disputed results, and immediate talk of a rematch.
Yet unlike modern super-fights that are preserved forever on video, this epic confrontation lives only through these vivid newspaper accounts – a reminder of a time when regional wrestling champions were celebrated as the greatest athletes of their day.
The Cann-Polkinhorn match reminds us that the drama of sport, the passion of fans, and the allure of seeing two legends battle for supremacy is timeless – whether in today’s UFC octagon or on a grassy field in Devonport nearly 200 years ago.
This iconic match was commemorated 100 years later. But who really won? 🤔
Drop your guesses in the comments! 👇
#EpicFights #HistoryOfWrestling #DevonVsCornwall