The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux

Introduction

There exist two typescripts for this story. The first corresponds to the final version submitted to Fight Stories and Argosy. It is written in the third person and the ghostly elements are less marked. Ghost Stories bought this story for $95 and published it under the title ‘The Apparition in the Prize Ring’ and the name John Taverel.

The second typescript is written in the first person and the supernatural element is more pronounced. 

Thomas Molineaux (23 March 1784 – 4 August 1818), sometimes spelled Molyneaux or Molyneux, was an American bare-knuckle boxer and possibly a former slave. He spent much of his career in Great Britain and Ireland, where he had some notable successes. He arrived in England in 1809 and started his fighting career there in 1810. His two fights against Tom Cribb, widely viewed as the Champion of England, brought Molineaux fame even though he lost both contests. The result of the first encounter was hotly contested, with accusations of a fix. The second, losing contest with Cribb, however, was undisputed. His prizefighting career ended in 1815. After a tour that took him to Scotland and Ireland, he died in Galway, Ireland in 1818, aged 34. (information from Wikipedia)

“The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux” is not just a story about boxing; it’s a tale that explores themes of courage, the power of inspiration, and the transcendent connection between the past and the present. Through the supernatural victory of Jessel, the narrative pays homage to the legacy of African American boxers and the indomitable spirit that defines true champions.

Alternate title:

THE APPARITION IN THE PRIZE RING.

From the letters:

From a letter written to his friend, Tevis Clyde Smith, circa November 1928 (letter #091) we learn that Howard told him that he sold the story to Ghost Story Magazine:

Heh heh!

At last I’ve sold a story to Ghost Story Magazine; they said I ought to get the check soon. I hope so. I need mazuma as usual. How are you coming with your literary work?

At the end of the letter Howard said:

Heh heh!
I got $95.00 for the manuscript I sold to Ghost Story Megazine.
You might answer soon.

The story

“The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux” is a captivating story narrated by John Taverel, a manager of ring champions, centered on a historic boxing match influenced by a ghost from the past. The tale revolves around Ace Jessel, a formidable yet kind-hearted African American boxer managed by Taverel. Despite Jessel’s physical prowess, he lacks the aggressive drive and killer instinct essential for a champion, relying instead on defensive tactics and his skill to outpoint opponents, which often led to public disapproval.

Ace Jessel harbors a deep reverence for Tom Molyneaux, the first champion of America and a legendary black boxer, whose life story inspired Jessel to pursue boxing. Jessel’s most treasured possession is a life-size portrait of Molyneaux, which he believes embodies the spirit of his idol. This belief is crucial in the climactic fight against Mankiller Gomez, a brutal and seemingly invincible Senegalese boxer who has taken the heavyweight championship by storm.

As the match approaches, Taverel doubts Jessel’s ability to withstand Gomez’s savagery, fearing for Jessel’s well-being. During the fight, Jessel is nearly beaten to unconsciousness, but the sight of Molyneaux’s portrait, displayed by Taverel, inexplicably revitalizes him. In a dramatic turn of events, Jessel, aided by the ghostly presence of Molyneaux, defeats Gomez, leaving spectators and participants alike in awe of the miraculous comeback.

Characters

  • John Taverel: The narrator and manager of Ace Jessel, whose insightful management and deep care for Jessel play a pivotal role in the story’s outcome.
  • Ace Jessel: A gifted yet defensively inclined African American boxer whose reverence for Tom Molyneaux inspires his boxing career. Jessel’s character illustrates the theme of inner strength and the influence of historical figures on present individuals.
  • Tom Molyneaux: The spiritual and historical figure who inspires Jessel. Molyneaux’s legacy as a champion and his ghostly intervention during Jessel’s fight against Gomez symbolize the enduring impact of past heroes on their successors.
  • Mankiller Gomez (Balanga Guma): A formidable and fierce Senegalese boxer who serves as Jessel’s antagonist. His aggressive and ruthless approach in the ring contrasts with Jessel’s more calculated and respectful style.
  • The Referee: A minor character whose observation of a “cold wind” and a “dark shadow” around Jessel during the fight hints at the supernatural elements influencing the bout.
  • The Crowd: Though not a single entity, the crowd’s reactions throughout the fight serve as a barometer for the match’s emotional and physical intensity, reflecting the broader public’s fascination with and reaction to the spectacle of boxing.

A detailed comparison between the stories

Narrative Style

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: This version of the story unfolds in a direct, narrative manner that focuses on the sequence of events leading up to and during the climactic fight between Ace Jessel and Mankiller Gomez. The narrative is infused with a sense of immediacy and urgency, which keeps the reader engaged with the unfolding drama.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: The narrative style here is more reflective, with a significant portion of the story dedicated to exploring the background and the emotional states of the characters, particularly Ace’s reverence for Tom Molyneaux and his internal struggles. The pacing allows for a deeper dive into the characters’ motivations and the significance of the supernatural intervention.

Character Development

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: Character development is more plot-driven, with a focus on Ace Jessel’s physical abilities and the challenges he faces in the ring. The relationship between Ace and Tom Molyneaux is established primarily through the narrative context of the fight.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: There’s a greater emphasis on character depth, especially regarding Ace’s internal conflicts and his deep connection to Tom Molyneaux. The story delves into Ace’s background and his journey from being inspired by Molyneaux’s legacy to becoming the recipient of his spiritual aid.

Thematic Focus

  • Both versions: Share common themes of perseverance, the impact of historical figures on present individuals, and the intersection of the physical and the supernatural in achieving one’s destiny. However, each story explores these themes through slightly different lenses.

Supernatural Elements

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: The supernatural aspect is presented more as an unexpected intervention that directly influences the outcome of the fight. The manifestation of Tom Molyneaux’s spirit is a critical turning point that is described in a straightforward manner.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: The supernatural intervention is deeply intertwined with Ace’s personal growth and his emotional journey. The presence of Tom Molyneaux’s spirit serves not only as a means to an end but also as a symbolic representation of the enduring influence of legacy and belief.

Conclusion

While both versions of the story share a common narrative core, their approaches to storytelling, character exploration, and thematic exposition differ. “The Apparition in the Prize Ring” focuses on the external drama of the boxing match and the miraculous victory, while “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux” offers a more nuanced exploration of the characters’ internal landscapes and the profound impact of ancestral legacy on individual destiny. The choice between them depends on the reader’s preference for action-driven narratives or character-driven explorations with a touch of the supernatural.

Published in:

Audiobook

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Art by Greg Staples