Hezekiah Moscow
British Boxer of West Indian origin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hezekiah Moscow (c. 1862 – c. 1901) was a West Indian migrant to Victorian London who worked as a lion tamer and competed as a professional boxer under the ring name Ching Hook. A 2025 Disney+ series A Thousand Blows, in which a fictionalized version of his character is portrayed by Malachi Kirby.[1][2]
Hezekiah Moscow | |
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| Born | 1862 |
| Died | 1901 (aged 38–39) |
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| Occupation | Professional boxer |
| Years active | 1882-1892 |
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Early life
Moscow was born around 1862 in Jamaica[3], a part of British West Indies.[4]
Career
In his early days around 1884, he worked as a lion tamer and performer at an aquarium in East London in Shoreditch[5], but was later accused by the RSPCA of treating four bears cruelly.[4] Starting around 1888, gained prominence through regular sparring exhibitions at venues like the Sebright Music Hall, where he performed twice nightly against opponents such as Sam Baxter.[6][7] Also, he worked as a second MC, and benefit organizer, managed boxing saloons including at the City of Norwich pub and Walnut Tree in Stepney, and earned the honorary title of "Professor" for his teaching roles at clubs like Watford Boxing Club.[6]
By 1890–1891, Moscow's career included high-profile bouts such as a proposed match for England's black championship against Felix Scott, and continued music hall tours. However, after a decade in London references to him faded by mid-1892.[6]
Personal life
He married Mary Ann Maddin in 1891, and their daughter Eliza was born the same year.[6]
Death or disappearance
In 1896, his wife placed a public notice seeking information about him, and by 1901 she and their daughter were listed as widows. No death, hospital, or obituary records for Moscow/Hook have been found under any name variations, leaving his disappearance after 1892 a mystery.[6]