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What happens when a national hero steps out of the ring and into the shadows of Victorian London?

In this episode, we dive into the wild, tragic, and chaotic post-boxing life of Tom Sayers—the legendary bare-knuckle pugilist and undisputed champion of 19th-century Britain. After his grueling, history-making 1860 world championship fight against American powerhouse John C. Heenan, Sayers retired from prize fighting a wealthy man, backed by a massive £3,000 public subscription raised by adoring fans.

But life outside the ropes proved far more treacherous. Join us as we trace Tom Sayers' final years: from his ill-fated ventures into the circus business with the "Tom Sayers’ Champion Circus" and scandal-ridden domestic court battles, to his decline plagued by tuberculosis, diabetes, and severe alcoholism. We explore his iconic companionship with "Lion"—his faithful Mastiff—and the extraordinary spectacle of his 1865 Highgate Cemetery funeral, where over 10,000 Londoners lined the streets to mourn Victorian Britain's favorite fighter.

Whether you are a sports history enthusiast, a fan of Victorian true crime and culture, or fascinated by the dark side of early athletic fame, this episode uncovers the real story of Tom Sayers' final rounds.

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