Jem Ward

Jem Ward (26 December 1800 – 3 April 1884) was an English bare-knuckle boxer. "A fine fighter and powerfully built man", he was the English champion from 1825 until 1831. He became known as one of the first boxers to be sanctioned for deliberately losing a fight. During his fighting career he was nicknamed "The Black Diamond". In retirement he became a successful artist. He became an accomplished and proficient artist exhibiting his work in London and Liverpool. He played both the violin and flute and sang in concerts. He taught the boxing arts to students, one of whom, Tom King, defeated the legendary Jem Mace to become champion in 1863. Ward died in 1884 at his home in London. He was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. He is buried in Nunhead Cemetery, London.