Rickmansworth, England: The World Middleweight title changed hands for the third time in as many mills between American-born Bill Richmond and Jem Belcher. Richmond took a fifteen round decision and the belt when the two first met in 1803. Belcher turned the table in 1805 scoring a knockout and setting the stage for a third battle.
Belcher started strong winning the opening rounds and drawing blood in the third with a stinger to the temple of Richmond but was unable to increase his advantage. Richmond set to and worked methodically over the next seven rounds taking five with his hit and get away style. As the later frames ground on, the blows from Richmond took their toll leaving both of Belcher's eyes horribly swollen. Though he mounted a rollicking comeback in the thirteenth and fourteenth, Richmond's lead was great and the battle had already been lost.
The eight rounds to six win with one even turned the REC Middleweight belt back to Richmond who now sports a fine 16/5/1 record. Belcher falls to 17/3/2 and vows to be heard from once more in short order.
OTHER DOINGS:
Tom Cribb is proving to be as active a champion as he is popular. Following his defeat of Thomas Owen in the spring, Cribb has pulverized former champ Squire O'Connor in four rounds and Tom Cart in nine. 1807 may see Tom face Joe Lashley, newcomer Hen Pearce or perhaps Owen again. It is widely held that few save Pearce have even a modest hope of success against the Black Diamond.
Richmond / Belcher Feud Deepens