Silas Fenner

Fenner trained before the mill opened and arrived at most contests carrying the same canvas bag. The bag contained little equipment. A second pair of socks occupied more space than the rest of his kit. At close quarters he was economical, taking a short opening rather than creating a large one with unnecessary movement. The early training hour seems to have suited that temperament. He arrived at meetings already familiar with the rhythm of a day’s work, and treated the contest as another job requiring sustained attention. That regularity is a more useful guide than any exceptional anecdote.

Recorded style: Body puncher.