Caleb Baldwin
Caleb Ramsbottom (born April 22, 1769 in Westminster, England — died November 8, 1827), aka Caleb Baldwin, was a premiere lightweight boxer of the bare-knuckle era in England.
Professional career
Baldwin's first recorded organized prize fight took place in 1786, when he bested a London porkpickler named Jim Gregory. Later that year, English boxing champion Tom Johnson saw Baldwin fighting another man and became his patron. Johnson funded Baldwin's next fight, against highly regarded Arthur "Gypsy" Smith, a bout Baldwin dominated.
During the years following the win against Smith, Baldwin, now known as "The Pride of Westminster," established himself as the leading small fighter in England and was regarded by many, unofficially, as the champion of the division. In 1792 he fought to a draw against Paddington Tom Jones.[1] In 1804, Baldwin was matched with Dutch Sam, a future hall of famer who was also making a name for himself at the same time. Baldwin was the bigger man and used this to his advantage, but tired in the later rounds until the fight was stopped in Sam's favor after thirty-seven rounds. This was the only known loss of Baldwin's career.
Baldwin fought just twice more, both draws, over the next several years and retired in 1816 with a 13-1-1 record.
Death
Baldwin died on November 8, 1827 at age 58 in London, England.
Honors
Baldwin has been elected to the IBHOF.
References
- Roberts, James B. and Alexander G. Skutt. The Boxing Register.