31 December, 1807

. GLASGOW PICAYUNE Sporting Edition | Volume XIV, Issue VIII | 31 December, 1807 TITLE DECLARATIONS

Glasgow, Scotland: The Royal Explorers Club has released their mandatory World Title defenses for 1808. Heavyweight champion Tom Cribb has been given his toughest challenge to date. First, he will defend against former English and World titleholder Thomas Owen. The crafty veteran has compiled a 20/8/2 record over his eleven-year career. The winner shall face the young English champion Hen Pearce who proudly sports a 12/1/1 ring record. Aging Middleweight titleholder Bill Richmond will have a light schedule being asked only to face Bill Clarke while lightweight king Dutch Sam will defend his belt against Jack O'Donnel and Jem Jones.

World Heavyweight Rankings OUT: A year with little activity save a loss to American G.L. Barrett has driven Jem Flowers from the REC rankings. OUT: Former World champion Joe Lashley suffered his worst year yet in the prize ring. A draw with G.L. Barrett and losses to Tom Cribb and Tom Tring removed Lashley from top ten consideration. We may be watching his last hurrah in 1808. OUT: Losses to Coachy Jones and Tom Timbling (both holders of losing records) put Elias Spree out of consideration for the year-end rankings. IN: Tom Tring's career has renewed life with his victory over former REC champion Joe Lashley. IN: A pair of victories each for Dick Hall and Tom Cart have moved the two unlikely top ten pugs into the lime light at least on a temporary basis. Complete Heavyweight Rankings Complete Middleweight Rankings Complete Lightweight Rankings

Eplorers Cup Field for 1808 Eleanor, who's best finish was a fifth place showing at the Explorers Sprint, failed to earn any cup points in 1807 and will be dropped from the series. The 1808 series will be joined by three year olds Pope and Maid of Orleans.