Exploring the True Story of Boxer Hezekiah Moscow from A Thousand Blows

A Thousand Blows has arrived on Disney+, bringing to life the captivating tale of boxer Hezekiah Moscow. This thrilling series follows Hezekiah’s journey from his homeland in Jamaica to Victorian London, where he sets out to establish himself as a lion tamer and eventually finds himself in the ring with the fearsome fighter Henry “Sugar” Goodson.

For those eager to learn more about the real Hezekiah Moscow who inspired this gripping drama, creator Steven Knight revealed that while details about Hezekiah’s life are scarce, there are snippets of information scattered throughout history. Reports from the time mention Hezekiah’s debut fight at The Blue Coat Boy pub in 1882, where he first made a name for himself.

Interestingly, a sports journalist reportedly believed Hezekiah had Chinese heritage and gave him the fighting name Ching Hook. This detail is echoed in A Thousand Blows, as Hezekiah’s grandmother taught him to speak fluent Chinese. As his fighting career flourished, Hezekiah also worked as a lion and bear tamer at the East London Aquarium, where he faced accusations of animal cruelty in 1884. However, his employer defended him against these charges, leading to a dramatic courtroom showdown.

Tragedy struck Hezekiah with the loss of his close friend Alec in a violent altercation, but he continued to climb the ranks in the boxing world. Hezekiah’s resilience led him to multiple victories, including a charity competition in 1890 that raised funds for an orphanage, as well as his marriage and the birth of his daughter.

As Hezekiah Moscow’s boxing career peaked and eventually waned, his legacy remained etched in the history of Victorian London. A Thousand Blows on Disney+ offers a riveting glimpse into the life of this aspiring lion tamer turned champion boxer, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.