꒦꒷ BLOODSPORTS ꒷꒦
Like prize-fighting (pugilism), were contests that saw one on one combat and the spilling of blood. While fighting was perceived as traditionally English and masculine, pugilism and other bloodsports were considered a blight against the pending civilisation of the world as pushed by Victorian 'moral entreperneurs', such as renowned philanthropist and London socialite Dr Henry Jekyll. Prize-fighting enabled rioting, social-disorder, betting and other debaucherous activities. By this time, 1885, the sport has mostly lost its edge, being sanitised into gloved boxing, for a more respectable audience in more respectable times. However even if stereotypically considered enjoyment of the so called 'plebian classes', enjoyment of prize-fighting and other bloodsports cut across class lines more often than not in the shadowed underbelly of London's foggy districts, where demand remained high. Particularly for those with a taste for blood.
New to London's underground prize-fighting scene is a Mr Edward Hyde, a Mysterious young scottish brute who doesn't mince his words for anyone. Despite not possesing an impressive stature, Hyde punches hard and precise, creating rumours of his naming every bone that he breaks whilst even leaving most Goliaths struggling against him. Hyde's reputation leaves him with an intersting nickname both inspired by his vibrant eyes and his alleged victory against eight different opponents in his first fight as well as his tendency to leave his bling on his fists; Blue Rings
He likes to see and be seen, basking in the infamy that comes with his 'hobby' and ocupation as an underground bare-knuckle boxer. Whispers and reputation often percede him in certain crowds and he's getting used to not needing to fear predatory roadmen whenever he prowls the alleys and streets to his favourite Soho haunts, wether it's Dick's or Chez Jules. Want to learn more about the exact history i'm referencing? Check out the links below. (academic papers require access)
Woolnough, G. (2014). Blood Sports in Victorian Cumbria: Policing Cultural Change. Journal of Victorian Culture, 19(3), 278–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/13555502.2014.947190 Pugilistic prosecutions: prize fighting and the courts in nineteenth century Britain https://web.archive.org/web/20050925170147/http://www2.umist.ac.uk/sport/SPORTS%20HISTORY/BSSH/The%20Sports%20Historian/TSH%2021-2/Art3-Anderson.htm