The fight between Humphries-Mendoza , in the grounds of Henry Thornton, Esq.’s county estate in Stilton, Huntingdonshire, was a huge affair. To accommodate the insatiable demand among fight fanatics for a ringside view, an octagonal amphitheatre was constructed which held around 2,000 spectators, while the number of carriages that descended upon Stilton for the contest was “beyond all belief”.

Once the contest began, Mendoza took charge. Demonstrating his mastery of defensive boxing, he succeeded in blocking or avoiding every meaningful blow Humphries was able to throw at him while, at the same time, smashing his opponent to the ground four times in the first six minutes.

Then, suddenly, it seemed that the contest was over. An exhausted Humphries fell to the ground, seemingly without being hit. Such an act was in direct contravention of the pre-agreed fight articles that stated either fighter would forfeit if they fell without a punch being struck. Mendoza duly claimed victory, however the two umpires could not agree whether Humphries had been hit or not.

A chaotic delay of around 20 minutes ensued as the two camps argued the toss in front of an increasingly impatient and rowdy crowd. Eventually, a reluctant Mendoza agreed to continue fighting, even though by this stage Humphries had enjoyed ample opportunity to regroup and regain his breath.

The contest resumed, with Mendoza making his dissatisfaction with Humphries’ conduct clear by several times refusing to adopt a traditional ‘hands up’ fighting stance when the men set to, instead standing with his arms down while viewing his foe with “a look of contempt”.

Thankfully, the controversial break in proceedings had no discernible effect on the outcome of the fight, which continued much as before, with Humphries being both out-thought and out-fought. Mendoza knocked him down with alarming regularity for another half hour, pointing at Humphries and grinning derisively whenever he was knocked off his feet, to the raucous delight of the large and enthusiastic Jewish contingent within the crowd.

The contest was finally terminated after Mendoza once again advanced and shaped to deliver a clubbing blow, only for Humphries to fall, exhausted and deflated, without being hit.

Those present were awestruck at Mendoza’s performance. One newspaper declared, with palpable disbelief, that: “neither the superior strength of Humphries, nor the reach of his arm, could save him from the lightning of Mendoza’s wrists.” Another admirer declared that the Jewish pugilist had fought with “wonderful science and intrepidity”.

Mendoza, aged just 24, was now at the peak of his considerable powers. His winnings from the fight amounted to £1,000, a huge sum at the time, while his triumph inspired a loud chant of “Mendoza forever” from his loyal fans.