David Foot: New book recalls Bristol's days as undisputed boxing champion

It is too easy to forget that in boxing's raw, brave and at times brutal history, Bristol once had no serious rival to challenge its supremacy.

This was where, in those extraordinary bare-knuckle days, members of Royalty, aristocrats and celebrities like Lord Byron came to watch and ignore the sport's illegality. Five world champions, all from Bristol, stepped into the improvised rings to parade their crude skills and immense courage.

All of them, one-time butcher's boys and dock labourers, later cheered on by crowds of more than 30,000, had previously served their slugging apprenticeships at pubs like The Hatchet, at St James's Fair, Horfield Common, Lawford's Gate and on Durdham Downs.

The atmosphere could be raucous, seedy and heavy with corruption from those laying unrealistic bets. But the nap-hand of Bristol champs – Jem Belcher, Henry (Game Chicken) Pearce, Ben Brain, John Gully and Tom Cribb – were renowned for their unassuming qualities as young, uninhibited fighters. Their stamina was remarkable and so were their personalities.

Bristol writer Jack Allen is horrified that their deeds have not been recognised more appropriately. He said: "They were among the most famous celebrities in the land, held in the highest esteem. Yet they are almost unknown in the city today. No plaque, no statue…"

In the next few days his new book The Bristol Boys is to be launched at The Hatchet. Some of the best-known figures from the modern local boxing scene will be present

The author, himself a Bristolian, played rugby for Bristol and Clifton, mostly as a No 8, before switching to Rugby League. He has also been a teacher and looked after children with special needs and behavioural difficulties.

Bristol's seeming disregard for its bare-knuckle title-holders bothers him and he hopes his book will rectify the omission.

In their different ways, quiet or flamboyant, the Bristol boxers achieved instant fame and, for some, wealth. Sadly one died at 30 and another at 32. But it would be difficult to match the lifestyle, for instance, of Wick landlord's son, John Gully, who was to become a racehorse owner whose horses won the Derby, Oaks and St Leger. In confirming his stature, he ended up as a Member of Parliament.

Jack Allen's book has given the city council a gentle and timely prod.

It could be argued that David Burnside was perhaps an unfulfilled talent.

He had been the England youth manager before rejoining Bristol City as director of youth football in 1997.

The Kingswood-born midfielder had once been a trainee at Ashton Gate and played a single league game for the club in 1972 before moving to Colchester.

In a nomadic playing career, in addition to successful spells with West Brom and Wolves, he signed for Southampton, Crystal Palace and Plymouth.

After the departure of Tony Pulis, Burnside became City's caretaker manager, with Tony Fawthrop. However, hopes of landing the job permanently never materialised.

Renowned for his ball-juggling and coaching ability, he had early non-league spells with Minehead, Bridgwater Town and Taunton.

Burnside had been seen as a young player with a bright future. His father, who showed him great encouragement and installed some floodlights in the family's back garden so that David could do extra football training after school.

He was working with Bobby Gould at Cheltenham Town until late 2003. His death came on Saturday, aged 69, from a heart attack.