Caleb Baldwin

Caleb Ramsbottom (born 22 April 1769 in Westminster, England – died 8 November 1827), better known as Caleb Baldwin, was a premiere lightweight boxer of the bare-knuckle era in England. Early life Baldwin was born on 22 April 1769 in the Lambeth area of Westminster to a fruit seller, or costermonger. During this period, Westminster was considered a poverty-blighted area on the outer edge of London. As he had to go to the markets each day to buy goods to sell all over London, he was forced to defend himself at an early age. Frequent disputes had to be settled with his fists. He continued to work as a peddler on the side during at least the early portions of his boxing career. Professional career Baldwin's first recorded prize fight took place in 1786, when he bested a London porkpickler named Jim Gregory. Later that year, English boxing champion Tom Johnson saw Baldwin fighting another man and became his patron. Johnson funded Baldwin's next fight, against highly regarded Arthur "Gypsy" Smith at Kelsey Green, a bout Baldwin dominated. During the years following the win against Smith, Baldwin, now known as "The Pride of Westminster," established himself as the leading lightweight fighter in England. On 14 May 1792 he fought to a draw against Paddington Tom Jones at Smitham Bottom. Baldwin then easily defeated James Kelly, an Irish shoemaker, at Wimbledon in 12 rounds, taking 15 minutes on 22 December 1800. A relatively modest purse of 20 guineas per side was collected.