William Aimer

William Aimer (1812 - 1840) was an Irish bare knuckle boxing champion, being most famous for only ever losing one fight, the one that killed him.

Early life

Aimer was born on 8th March 1812 to a large gypsy family, he was one of 15 children. He was very poorly educated as a child and as a result could not read or write, but showed a natural ability for fighting.His height is reported from being between 6'4" & 6'6" and reportedly weighed at least 200lbs, being a prime example of a mesomorph. Aged 15 he started his fighting career, trained by his father, fighting boys from other gypsy families. By 18 he was fighting men twice his age (with twice the experience) as he had worn out the competition at his level.

Fighting career

In 1836, aged 24, Aimer fought Bartley Connolly also a top gypsy fighter at the time. The fight lasted for 80 rounds (at this period in time matches commonly continued until one man could no longer fight) until Connolly was finally knocked unconscious.Though he won Aimer suffered a broken nose, fractured wrist and a broken hand.

Aimer had won all of the 19 fights he had undertaken up to this point, 17 by knockout.

Death

On 4th may 1840 he stepped up to fight Peter Norett, a relatively unknown fighter who had challenged Aimer in a bar. The fight was going Aimers way until he collapsed in round 18. He managed to regain consciousness and continue but Norett landed a blow to the side of a confused Aimers head knocking him down again. Aimer did not get back up.

The cause of death was diagnosed as a burst blood vessel on the left side of Aimers brain.

William Aimer was buried in Ireland, more that 200 gypsies attended his funeral, including Norett, who never fought again.