Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Abraham Cann’s last match: retirement from the ring (1841)
WRESTLING. The Grand Match for One Hundred Sovereigns, and retirement of Mr. Cann, the Champion, from the Ring.
This match, which was for 100 sovereigns, between Mr. Abraham Cann, formerly of this city, but late of Colebrook, and Mr. John Ellicombe of Kingsteignton, came off in a spacious ring, in which an area of an acre and a quarter was enclosed, formed in a field near St. Thomas’s Church, and in the presence of between five and six thousand persons.
On entering the ring it was evident to all that the champion Cann was only the shadow of his former self, whilst the rival for the championship was a fine, well-built, and remarkably muscular young man. At half-past one o’clock “the play” commenced, and continued till a quarter past two, when the sport was abruptly closed by the fracture of Cann’s collar-bone.
At about half-past two o’clock, Abraham Cann, who has for years reigned champion of the ring, bade his farewell to it, surrounded by his friends. A very different result was anticipated, and there was some heavy betting.
At this time all eyes were fixed upon them with great intenseness; they now stood, the difference in height was scarcely perceptible, but nothing could be more apparent than that Ellicombe was the more powerful of the two. Ellicombe with his right hand made good hold at the collar of his opponent, who at the same time seized Ellicombe with his left. Both men were cautious, and although the right leg of Ellicombe, and left of Cann were in frequent exercise, it was merely the hope of a favourable opportunity being thereby obtained. In two minutes Cann was on his knees. The men sprung to their feet and were instantly again at work, Ellicombe showing that with great strength he was also a perfect master in the scientific part of this art, and making as fine an offer as has perhaps ever been seen; indeed such a one would have thrown any man but Cann, who here gave proof of coolness, of innate courage and science equal to his best days, and in one minute both men went down, Ellicombe under.
It was now however but too clear that Ellicombe possessed far the greatest strength. At a quarter to two, the men again took hold. Cann stood boldly up, but exhibited great cautiousness, as conscious that he had no chicken to contend with. Ellicombe exhibited resolution, and was a pattern of strength. The struggle was immediate, Ellicombe essaying the inner lock, and displaying the greatest art. It was a treat of the first order, reminding those present of days that are past.
At 18 minutes past two, Cann placed his right hand to his left shoulder. It was evident there was something amiss. Mr. Cumming, late pupil of Mr. Webb, immediately entered the ring, and was followed by Mr. Arthur Kempe. These gentlemen examined Cann, and pronounced the collar bone (the old injury) gone completely, close to the shoulder. Ellicombe now came and shook hands with his late opponent, saying he hoped Cann did not attribute this to any unfair play on his part. Cann replied No,—that he was as good, or as fair a man as ever he had played with. On further examination the injury was found to be a fracture of the clavicle, which was reduced by Mr. Calder, surgeon, of Cowick-street.
The Triers were,—for Mr. A. Cann, Mr. Andrew Snell, of Pitton, Cheriton Bishop, now almost the father of the ring:—For Mr. J. Ellicombe, Mr. Daniel Hex, Lower Dunstone, Widdecombe in the Moor.—And these chose Mr. Wm. Bowden, Ideford, as Umpire.
The double play concluded at half-past five, when the triple play began with Bolt and Clarke, and the latter was thrown after a well-contested struggle of about twenty minutes. Wm. Ellicombe (brother of the champion), and Thomas Gundrey, the Cornishman, were the next rivals. Peters and Baker (the Grecian,) then competed, and after a good struggle Baker threw him. Next came Richard Gundrey and Matthews; this was one of the finest bouts ever witnessed, combining strength, science, and temper. The struggle continued for nearly an hour, when Gundrey was thrown (by over-reaching himself) a fair back-fall, amidst the shouts of the Devonshire men.
We should observe that the Gundreys (brothers) were much admired for the style in which they threw their former opponents: they are certainly a credit to our neighbour, Cornubia. William Chappie, and a Cornishman named Gundrey, each challenged Mr. Ellicombe, the competitor with the “Champion,” to play him for a sum of money; but that it was, in both cases, declined.