Jem Ward

The Pugilistic Society, the body which then governed boxing and enforced the London Prize Ring rules, held an inquiry.

Eventually after confessing he had received a £100 bribe to lose, Ward was banned from fighting in any contest governed by the Society.

In this era boxing was an object of heavy betting, by members of all strata of society, including the sons of King George III.

Deprived of his living Ward was reduced to travelling the country fighting under assumed names at fairs or in any chance ungoverned brawl where he could possibly pick up a prize.

Once early in 1823 when attending a bout as a spectator, he was called upon to enter the ring, when the planned fight ended prematurely, and someone was needed to provide entertainment to keep the crowd present and spending money.

He fought Ned Baldwin and defeated him,[4] but the match was void due to his ban.Later in 1823, the Pugilistic Society decided to re-allow him to enter their fights.

Ward had received criticism for refusing to face the younger challenger, James Burke, and rather than fight he retired and relinquished his title.

In retirement he kept the "York Hotel" in Liverpool, where he was taught to paint by his great friend the artist William Daniels.