Jimmy Sharman’s Boxing Troupe

In the first half of the twentieth century, a popular attraction at country shows was the boxing tent. A team of fighters would be matched with local lads who wanted to demonstrate their skill or perhaps impress a girlfriend.

Jimmy Sharman was one of the most well-known promoters.¹ Attracting the punters’ attention by the beating of a big bass drum, he would line his boxers up on a raised platform in front of the crowd and cry “A round or two for a pound or two! Who’ll take a glove?”

During World War 1, the conscription debate saw increasing pressure placed on young men to enlist. Sharman, however, kept his boxing troupe operating, patriotically donating much of his takings to the Red Cross and local hospital funds.

MidCoast towns were not always included on Sharman’s circuit, but he put in an appearance at the Wingham Show in both 1915 and 1916 bringing with him fighters such as Ted Green, Jack Green, Walter Coffey, Tom Ryan and Taggie Young.² Some of these sporting personalities also achieved success in more regulated boxing circles.

Tent boxing was seldom reported, although it was very popular, as it was considered somewhat disreputable, and has now all but disappeared.³

Author: Penny Teerman

(Except where noted, information for this story has been sourced from “Jimmy Sharman’s Boxers: Australia’s legendary travelling boxing troupe” by Stephen McGrath published by Big Sky Publishing 2023.)