Belasco, Israel

Israel was one of four boxing brothers, including Aby Belasco, who fought in Britain during the early to mid-nineteenth century. Belasco and his brothers fought in the bare-knuckled era of "Broughton's Rules." Established in 1743 by Jack Broughton, considered the father of English boxing, the Rules stated that wrestling moves above 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."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1800 - d. unknown

Career Highlights:
Belasco's first recorded fight came in July 1817, only three years after the founding of the Pugilistic Society in London (the first organized boxing association). At the age of only 17, Israel fought Ned Brown in that first bout and was defeated in 30 rounds (the fight lasted 31 minutes). In September 1819, Belasco won a bout against Kit Barber in 30 rounds (31 minutes). In 1821, Israel defended his family's honor when he thrashed Fred Saunders in 14 rounds (32 minutes); Saunders had defeated Israel's brother Aby twice. Israel's final recorded fight took place in March 1823, when he was beaten by a fighter named Matthewson in 44 minutes (25 English pounds was the prize).

Origin:
London, England

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