Daniel Mendoza was Born in 1765 to Sephardi parents, in a Jewish section of London called Whitechapel. Dropping out of school at 13, Daniel Mendoza became a professional fighter 18
beating several formidable opponents. He fought 3 legendary bouts with The Gentleman Richard Humphries, taking the better of 2, which led to the first recorded instance of trash talk in the press. In 1794, he defeated Bill Barr to gain the title of All England Bareknuckle Champion. His popularity gained him an audience with King George the III - possibly making, Mendoza the first Jew to meet with the king. Mendoza would relinquish his title a little less than a year later only after losing all his money and spending time in 18th century White collar jail. Though he died destitute in 1836, he changed the sport forever. The Light of Israel fought as a proud Jew and was an inspiration to his community, then and now.
Badass Jews is a short animated series from Birthright Israel Labs that takes a look at Jewish athletes, spies, soldiers, and all-around tough guys and gals who lived their lives in the true Maccabean style. Each episode explores a new and different Hebraic hero. New volumes monthly! All episodes are written by Andrew Davidsburg, animated by Israeli animator Ory Pinchasy and produced by Alkemy X.
