Jem Mace
Great Britain- Early Life
- Musical Interlude
- Boxing Career Begins
- Joining Langham's Troupe
- Championship Victory
- Travels and Legacy
- Fight Record
Early Life
British Romani boxer Jem "Gypsy" Mace was born on April 8, 1831, in Birston, Norfolk. His father, William, and mother, Anne, were the parents of four sons, of whom Jem was the fourth. As a child, Mace enjoyed watching fistfights, which were a common pastime among the working-class youth. He completed primary school and then was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker named Mr. Fox at age 15.
Musical Interlude
While visiting Mr. Fox's home, Mace discovered a violin on the table and asked to examine it. Fox, being a music enthusiast, allowed him to play it. Despite having no prior experience, Mace played a simple but heartfelt melody. Impressed, Fox encouraged him to pursue both music and carpentry. Mace took up violin lessons and eventually played at a local pub, balancing his musical aspirations with his apprenticeship.
Boxing Career Begins
In Wells, where Mace lived and worked, the pub's clientele included sailors and fishermen. One evening, his violin playing offended a patron, who slapped him. Enraged, Mace broke the violin over the man's head and beat him with his fists. He continued to work as a violinist and cabinetmaker for a few more weeks before abruptly deciding to return home, ending his three-year apprenticeship.
Joining Langham's Troupe
Upon his return, Mace found employment with boxing troupe run by Nat Langham. Langham recognized Mace's potential and taught him the latest boxing techniques. Mace's victories on the fairground ring earned him a spot in "Fistiana", a book chronicling the history of boxing. He initially gained fame as a popular fighter defeating other crowd favorites.
Championship Victory
Mace's reputation grew until he won the English Championship in 1861 against Sam Hurst. By this time, boxing was no longer his primary occupation. He owned a pub in London where he hosted prizefights, boxing lessons, and sold sporting newspapers. Later, Mace sold the pub and acquired a circus, touring England and occasionally fighting in serious bouts. He eventually sold the circus and worked in other circuses.
Travels and Legacy
In 1869, Mace emigrated to America. He toured Australia in 1877 and fought illegal bouts there. He also visited New Zealand in 1882. Upon his return to the United States, he participated in more illegal fights. Mace stepped into the ring for the final time at the age of 73. He passed away at the age of 79 in Durham and was buried in Liverpool.
Mace is widely regarded as the father of modern boxing. He played a crucial role in popularizing the "Queensberry Rules" and was an early advocate for boxing gloves. He is also credited with introducing international boxing competitions.
Fight Record
Throughout his career, Mace fought in 37 bouts (excluding fairground matches, which he viewed as training). He won 25, lost 4, and drew 5. Remarkably, he was never knocked out. BoxRec records 29 fights, with 1 win, 1 loss, and 27 no-decisions. Jem "Gypsy" Mace remains an iconic figure in the annals of boxing.
