Morning Chronicle, Eagle Tavern: Copp vs Hanlon wrestling and single-stick (1828)

WRESTLING. Yesterday a most interesting wrestling match took place in the new ground of the Eagle Tavern, In the City Road. The match was for 20l. aside, between James Copp, a Devonshire man, well known in the wrestling ring, and considered to be the best wrestler from Devonshire resident in London, and Laurence Hanlon, an Emeralder. Copp was accordingly singled out to oppose him, and the money on both sides was quickly posted. At length the call for the appearance of the principals became general, and Copp first entered the ring in the wrestling costume; some excellent bouts at single stick took place first. Shortly afterwards Copp succeeded in giving him a fair back fall, and received much applause. This destroyed all betting for the remainder of the match. The burst of applause in favour of Copp’s first achievement had scarcely subsided before the Irishman again measured his length upon the lap of his mother earth, and thus destroyed all the hopes of his countrymen.