Disney+ has unleashed its latest period drama, A Thousand Blows, which thrusts viewers deep within the gritty world of underground boxing and the unexpected turns of the life of Hezekiah Moscow. Set against the backdrop of 1880s Victorian London, the series tells the remarkable story of aspiring lion tamer-turned-boxer Moscow, played by Malachi Kirby. His quest for success takes him from Jamaica to the ring, where he faces formidable opponents like Henry “Sugar” Goodson (Stephen Graham).
Curiosity around the real-life figure of Hezekiah Moscow has grown among fans since the show’s debut on February 21. During a Q&A session, show creator Steven Knight shared insights about the man who inspired the character. "There's not a lot known about Hezekiah. There's probably 10 times as much known about Mary Carr and the Forty Elephants," Knight explained. He noted the challenge of piecing together Moscow’s history, primarily pulling from court records, newspaper articles, and “little stepping stones of events” related to his fights.
Among these stepping stones lies the location where the young boxer first showcased his skills: The Blue Coat Boy pub. Reported by The Illustrated Police News, the establishment, which was operated by William “Punch” Lewis (played by Daniel Mays), hosted Moscow's debut fight back in 1882. The publication went on to depict how Moscow was often pushed by “the boys” to fight, yet he seemed "unable or unwilling" to “give an account of himself.”
Moscow gained the moniker Ching Hook, derived from the belief by a sports journalist of his partial Chinese heritage; this, too, served as inspiration for his fighting name. Interestingly, the show hints at his background, showing how he learned to speak fluent Chinese from his grandmother.
Despite the burgeoning boxing career, Moscow also juggled unique responsibilities. He worked as a lion and bear tamer at the East London Aquarium, which led him to face serious accusations from the RSPCA for allegedly “cruelly ill-treating” the animals under his care. But with the support of his attorney Mr. Blackwell, he denied claims of mistreatment, asserting no injuries were found on the bears.
Further bolstering his defense was Edward G Sim, Moscow's employer, who took to the pages of the Hackney Express and Shoreditch Observer to counter the negative narratives surrounding the boxer. Sim argued against the claims made by Officer Utting, accusing him of perjury and fabrications against Moscow and the aquarium. He emphasized the lightweight nature of Moscow's whip, remarking it "could not hurt a dog, much less a bear."
Throughout this chaotic backdrop of legal troubles, Moscow faced personal tragedy—a heartbreak stemming from the death of his dear friend Alec Monroe. The fatal incident occurred in 1885 at a Whitechapel “doss house,” where Monroe succumbed to injuries sustained from knife wounds, as detailed by The Penny Illustrated Paper. Moscow expressing his grief later told The Sporting Life how he wanted to place grand memorials for his lost friend, who was laid to rest at Ilford Cemetery, attended by approximately 20,000 mourners.
Despite these heart-wrenching events, Moscow's boxing career was on the rise. With determination, he secured a week-long engagement at the Sebright Music Hall, competing against champion Sam Baxter two nights daily. By 1890, he celebrated more victories, including winning his heat at a fundraising competition for the London and South Western Railway Servants' Orphanage. Further milestones followed, as he married Mary Ann Maddin later the same year, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Eliza Margaret Moscow, the following June.
Yet as time moved on, the fervor surrounding his fights began to dwindle, leading to fewer mentions of Moscow's accomplishments within the media. A bittersweet note resonates through his story as A Thousand Blows portrays both his highs and lows.
The series now available for streaming invites viewers to experience Moscow's multi-faceted life, leaving them to wonder how history remembers the boxer who straddled both fame and adversity. With its charming storytelling and intriguing historical backdrop, it's clear there’s much more to discover within the world of A Thousand Blows.