Egan, James Cann vs Olver at Eagle Tavern (1828)

In June, 1828, a match took place at the Eagle Tavern, in the City-road, for £20, between the celebrated JAMES CANN, of Devonshire, and a young Cornishman of good repute, of the name of OLVER. After shaking hands, they grappled each other. In a few minutes it was evident that Olver was not only the younger and stronger man, but that he possessed equal, if not more, science and quickness than his opponent. After an hour’s excellent play, in which Cann was foiled in all his efforts, Olver succeeded in giving him a burster, in the shape of a somerset, his heels being tossed up in the air, by which he was so much stunned that he leaned against one of the posts of the ring, and finally relinquished the contest. A medical gentleman bled Cann, who was conveyed home in a coach, and it was some time before he recovered from the stunning effects of the fall. Olver stated that his brother and himself would wrestle with Abraham Cann and his brother, for £50 a-side.

Source: Egan, P. (1836). Pierce Egan’s Book of Sports. T. Tegg, London.