Glasgow, Scotland: Joe Lashley will be required defend the World title twice in 1805. First in line will be Squire O'Connor; the Irishman has won eight straight including six by knockout. Lashley will then be given a choice of Tom Tring or Michael Ryan. Ryan has been the Irish champion since 1797 and holds a 16/6/0 record. Tring is 11/5/0 having won five on the trot.
Middleweight king Bill Richmond is asked to face a pair of former champions in Spaniard Harris and Jem Belcher. Harris is an aging pug that should pose little to no threat. Belcher on the other hand is in his prime and itching to avenge the 1803 decision that went Richmond's way.
The wee lads will finally receive their due with a first ever world title match sponsored by the Royal Explorers Club. Dutch Sam, winner of eight bouts against only two losses, will go to scratch against Pardo Wilson. Wilson claims a lack-luster record of 3/8/1 but shocked London earlier in the month with a victory over the formerly unbeaten English lightweight champ Caleb Baldwin.
1804 Heavyweight Rankings
Out: After eighteen years, Big Ben Bryan has retired from the prize ring. Bryan held the English and World titles variously as he assembled a mark of 28/8/2 with 2 no decision bouts.
Out: Andrew Gamble and Jack Cary worked their way out of the picture with a pair of losses each in 1804
In: Although he lost the English belt, Sam Martin's 6/4/0 record by year's end was enough to gain a tough of respect. Losses to new comers Gully and Cribb bode ill for his future though.
In: With four victories in his last five, Fighting Tar makes his first appearance in the annual rankings.
In: Wins over Andrew Gamble and the perennially ranked Joe Ward have placed Jem Flowers and his 8/3/0 mark on the list.
Complete Heavyweight Rankings
Complete Middleweight Rankings
Complete Lightweight Rankings
