It`s a familiar story in boxing: two exceptionally matched fighters somehow manage to avoid facing each other until both are past their absolute best. We see it today with potential bouts like Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury, or remember past examples such as Amir Khan against Kell Brook, or Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. While many veterans of the sport claim this phenomenon is unique to the modern era, the truth is there have always been exceptions to the rule that the best fight the best at their peak.
Consider the case of Pedlar Palmer in 1906. At 30 years old, perhaps slightly past his absolute peak but still formidable, he was a legitimate challenge for any featherweight of the era. He had previously dominated the bantamweight division in the late 1890s and successfully competed internationally in places like the United States and South Africa. Despite prior losses in bids for the 8st 12lbs championship against Ben Jordan and Joe Bowker, Palmer remained a significant force. This was particularly relevant in May 1906, when Jim Driscoll defeated Joe Bowker to claim the British featherweight title.
Driscoll, who passed away a century ago, is widely regarded as one of the finest British boxers ever, often ranked alongside Welsh legends like Jimmy Wilde, Freddie Welsh, Tommy Farr, and Joe Calzaghe. Being only about four years Palmer`s junior, a matchup between the two would have been a highly anticipated and fitting first defense for Driscoll`s newly won title.
Tragically, life intervened in a dramatic way. In April 1907, after attending a race meeting at Epsom Downs, Palmer was involved in a fatal altercation on a train with another passenger. After striking the man, the passenger collapsed and died. This resulted in Palmer`s conviction for manslaughter and a five-year prison sentence.
Meanwhile, Driscoll continued to build his legacy, becoming the recipient of the third Lonsdale belt ever issued. He was set for high-profile contests against fighters like Freddie Welsh and Jean Poesy. When Palmer was released from prison in April 1911, at the age of 34, he was determined to resume his boxing career. However, his return was difficult. He lost his initial comeback fight by knockout to Darkey Haley and, after securing four subsequent wins, suffered another knockout defeat to Jim Lloyd of South Shields, effectively ending his serious aspirations.
Driscoll`s career was also significantly impacted by the outbreak of the First World War, though his prime years likely preceded 1914. After a hiatus of over six years from the ring, it was surprisingly announced that Driscoll would make a return, facing none other than Pedlar Palmer, a man who hadn`t fought professionally in nearly seven years himself. How London`s fight fans viewed this pairing is uncertain, but having been deprived of major boxing events for much of the war, they were undoubtedly eager for any contest, especially one featuring names as prominent as Palmer and Driscoll.
Dubbed `Peerless Jim`, Driscoll was 38 years old, while Palmer, known as the `Box o’ Tricks`, was 42. Despite their ages, the bout generated considerable excitement. It was held at the Pitfield Street Baths in Hoxton, deep in the East End. Promoter Jack Callaghan noted the widespread interest, stating that virtually everyone who followed boxing would want to see how Driscoll performed after his layoff.
Scheduled for 10 two-minute rounds, the outcome wasn`t entirely unexpected. Before a packed house, Jim Driscoll stopped Palmer in the fourth round. It remains a significant regret that these two met in 1919, rather than when both were at their peak around 1905 or 1906. Had it not been for Palmer`s incarceration, their paths might well have crossed a dozen years earlier. This proved to be Palmer`s final fight. Driscoll lived only six more years, while Palmer lived until 1949, reportedly spending his later years peacefully attending races.
Oliver Croft