Pugilism In Greenpoint?

After watching this amazing video yesterday of two youths having an impromptu boxing match on Grand Street (and getting over the What The Fuck factor) my mind has been abuzz with pugilistic thoughts. Namely the following question:

Was boxing a popular sport in north Brooklyn 100+ years ago?

To sate my need to know I pointed and clicked my way over to the Brooklyn Public Library’s online archive of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and did a little searching. It didn’t take me long to get my answer either:

ABSOLUTELY.

Follow are a few articles I found regarding the Greenpoint Sporting Club. Not really being “into” boxing myself what I find of interest is the arcane language (e.g.; “mixing it up in a lively fashion”) and the “monikers” some of these guys have. Politically correct 1890’s Greenpoint was most decidedly not. Enjoy!

August 31, 1897

October 19, 1897

December 21, 1897

December 23, 1897

Both started in lovely, Burns playing havoc with Kelly’s nose…

Nope, they just don’t write ’em like they used to!

Miss Heather