Another Female Prize Fight in Manchester, NH, 1860!
Women’s boxing, as we know, has a rich, textured history. This piece from 1860 seems to show an actual planned fight. It still used language such as “disgraceful” and “notorius,” but does seem to describe an actual contest rather than an impulsive contest to settle a dispute. As the article notes, “both parties have been training for several weeks past.”
What I find interesting, is that the piece was reprinted in a newspaper in Ohio from the original article in the Manchester Mirror.
Girlboxing 
Another great job on research, Malissa.
Thank you so much!
Gotta love that 19th Century “fair and balanced” reporting style. By “love,” of course, I mean “headbutt to the bridge of the nose.”
I’m fascinated by these signs of an active women’s boxing scene back then. Thank you so much for finding these pieces!
They really are extraordinary! As you say, the language is a fascinating window into the place of women at the time!