Sheffield Independent, Hyde Park wrestling: Finney vs King of Devon (1828)

WRESTLING – In the account given last week of the wrestling which took place at Hyde Park, the best trial of skill, between Finney, an Irishman, and King, a native of Devon, and servant to a respectable spirit merchant in the town, was by accident omitted. Finney, who may be termed a professional, is six feet two inches in height, and weighs fourteen stone. King is a firmly built man, weighing but twelve stone, and standing five feet nine. The play between these men lasted two hours and a half, and notwithstanding the disparity of the men, the contest was nearly equal. Finney gave his antagonist one back fall; but he received himself a number of doubtful or side throws, which evidently distressed him. The match was not played out, owing to the extreme distress of Finney at the close. It appeared to the spectators very evident, that had the struggle continued a little longer, the tall Irishman must have yielded.