Oregon Prizefighters: Forgotten Bare-Knuckle Champions of Portland & Astoria

In 1884, London’s prizefighting craze spread to Portland. Since the fights were illegal throughout the States, matches were fought in inconspicuous venues away from unwanted spectators. A winner could be hanged if the loser died. Champions like Dave Campbell, Jack Nonpareil Dempsey and Mysterious Billy Smith were just a few contenders for the brutal, nearly forgotten sport. Join author Barney Blalock as he reveals the remarkable stories of Oregon’s bare-knuckle champions.