Lazarus, Izzy

Israel Lazarus

A bare-knuckled boxer in the 1830s, Lazarus fought at the tail end of the era of "Broughton's Rules" Established in 1743 by Jack Broughton, considered the father of English boxing, the Rules stated that wrestling moves about the waist were allowed, but a fighter could not hit an opponent once he was down. In fact, knockdowns marked the division of rounds as the downed fighter had 30 seconds to return to the center of the ring or he would lose. If the fighter, with the help of his handlers, made it to the center, the fights resumed in what was considered a new round. In this way, fights were recorded according to the number of rounds and amount of time. "Broughton's Rules" were replaced in 1838 by the Pugilistic Society's "London Prize Ring Rules."

Lazarus' career ended in 1837 and the following year, the "London Prize Ring Rules" were adopted. The Rules stated that bouts were held in a ring 24-feet square and were to be enclosed by two ropes. A knockdown still ended the round for thirty seconds, but the fighter had only eight seconds to return to the center of the ring unaided, or lose the bout. Butting, gouging, hitting below the waist, and kicking were also banned. After his retirement, Lazarus became a prominent promoter of the sport in New York and even allowed his saloon in Buffalo to stage prize fights.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Febraury 9, 1812 - d. September 26, 1867

Career Highlights:
Born in London, Lazarus began boxing in the early 1830s after receiving inspiration from his neighbor, Hall of Famer Barney Aaron. According to Fistiana, Lazarus fought a "Leicestershire man" on March 4, 1834 and won in fifteen minutes. Twenty days later, Lazarus fought Bill Atkinson near Nottingham, but lost in 18 minutes and 12-rounds. In May, he then defeated a boxer named Levy in Northfleet in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Lazarus' named does not appear in the boxing annals for another two years. In February 1836, he emerged to fight a boxer named Allen, and won the bout in 1 hour and 10 minutes and 29 rounds. The following June, Lazarus faced one of the top English fighters of the day, Owen Swift. The bout, for 100 pounds sterling a side, lasted a bruising 103-rounds, and took 5 hours to complete. Swift, who was backed by aristocrats, was declared the winner and Lazarus quit the ring at disgust of the decision.

After retiring, Lazarus traveled around the country with his sons, Harry Lazarus and Johnny Lazarus when they were still young. Dubbed "The Infant Wonders," the boys gave exhibitions throughout England. In 1852, the boys travelled to the United States and demonstrated the art of boxing. The following year, Lazarus and his wife joined them in America and travelled with Harry and Johnny before settling in New York City.

Lazarus' time in the Big Apple was brief and he moved to Buffalo, New York in 1855 and opened a a hotel. A gathering place for the sporting gentry, Lazarus also ran a saloon that gave special focus to boxing activites and even had bouts there. He returned to New York City in 1859 and lived there until his death in 1867. According to the encyclopedia of JEWS in sports, Lazarus covering a boxing match as a reporter in Newcastle, England before emigrated to America; he is therefore, the first known Jewish sportswriter.

Origin:
London, England

Physical description:
136 pounds

< Previous |  Next >