Historian Pierce Egan described the bout as "enough to finish any two men", and by the time of his defeat in the 8th round, stated that Painter was "quite blind, and his nose beat flat upon his face", while Oliver's body was "terribly beaten, his head much disfigured, and nearly one of his eyes closed".

[6] Painter's defeat came as a major upset to the sporting community, and a lot of people lost money betting on the fight.

[7] Egan documented: "Painter, from his hard hitting and bottom[a] qualities, stood so high in the estimation of the amateurs, that it was booked Spring would prove an easy conquest to him.

"[7] A rematch took place on 7 August 1818; many of Painter's devoted fans had shifted their allegiance to Spring and he was now the favourite to win.

"[5] Painter announced his retirement from boxing after his victory over Spring, and became the landlord of The Anchor in Lobster Lane, Norwich, where he lived for many years.