John Jackson

John Jackson (1768 – 7 October 1845) was a celebrated English pugilist of the late 18th century. He became the bare-knuckle boxing champion of England in 1795, when he defeated Daniel Mendoza.<ref>Henry Downes Miles, 1906, Pugilistica, the History of British Boxing, volume 1, pages 89-102</ref> Early life and early boxing career John Jackson was born in London in 1768 to a middle class family, originally from Worcestershire. His father was an eminent builder. In an era when the great majority of prizefighters came from lower working class backgrounds, Jackson's middle class background led to his nickname of 'Gentleman' Jackson. In his boxing prime, Jackson stood 5'11" (1.80 metres) and weighed 14 stone (195 lbs; 88 kg). His symmetry in frame and muscular development made him a prized model for sculptors and painters. Aged 19, Jackson 'became a frequenter of the sparring schools, and displayed such talents as proved that he was destined to eclipse the most favoured of his contemporaries [...] He soon found patrons of the highest grade'.