Exeter Flying Post, Cann’s London arrival and Eagle Tavern challenge (1826)

WRESTLING.—A. Cann, the Champion of England, and Polkinghorne.—Perhaps there never was more evasion practised, or so much idle chaffing as on the subject of a match between these men. “My Dear Sir, In answer to your Letter bearing date the 13th inst I beg to state, that it would have been an agreeable surprise, had your Letter arrived a few days before, but having made arrangements yesterday with a relative to go on Monday next to London, am precluded from playing for the paltry prize at Tavistock—but am ready on my return to play with Mr. Polkinghorne for one hundred sovereigns aside, each man catching his own hold, and to be decided by the best of three back falls. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, ABRAHAM CANN.”

And to London Mr. Cann did go. His arrival in the Metropolis is announced in a London Newspaper: “There is a man now in London who challenges any man in the world to wrestle with him, two fair back falls out of three, for £50. or £100. He will be at Belcher’s, the Castle, Holborn, if an Amateur is to be found to meet him, on Thursday evening next.”