Robert Coles

Robert Coles, an expert in the history of sport and author, joins the conversation to unpack the legendary 1860 boxing match between Tom Sayers and John Heenan. The discussion dives into the cultural significance of this brutal encounter and its reflections on 19th-century British identity. Listeners will learn about the harsh training regimens that fighters endured, the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the match, and the evolution of boxing rules that emerged from this chaotic era. Coles offers insights into how this clash changed British sport forever.