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The detective is described (or demonstrated) as possessing above-average physical strength. In "[[The Adventure of the Yellow Face|The Yellow Face]]", Holmes's chronicler says, "Few men were capable of greater muscular effort."<ref>Klinger I, p. 449—"The Yellow Face"</ref> In "[[The Adventure of the Speckled Band]]", Dr. Roylott demonstrates his strength by bending a fire poker in half. Watson describes Holmes as laughing and saying, "'If he had remained I might have shown him that my grip was not much more feeble than his own.' As he spoke he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, straightened it out again."<ref>Klinger I, p. 243—"The Adventure of the Speckled Band"</ref>
Holmes is an adept [[Bare-knuckle boxing|bare-knuckle]] fighter; "[[The Adventure of the Gloria Scott|The ''Gloria Scott'']]" mentions that Holmes boxed while at university.<ref name="Klinger I p. 502"/> In [[The Sign of the Four|''The Sign of Four'']], he introduces himself to McMurdo, a [[Professional boxing|prize fighter]], as "the [[Amateur boxing|amateur]] who fought three rounds with you at Alison's rooms on the night of your benefit four years back." McMurdo remembers: "Ah, you're one that has wasted your gifts, you have! You might have aimed high if you had joined the fancy."<ref>Klinger III, pp. 262-263—''The Sign of Four''</ref> In "The Yellow Face", Watson says: "He was undoubtedly one of the finest boxers of his weight that I have ever seen."<ref>Klinger I, pp. 449-450—"The Yellow Face"</ref> In "The Solitary Cyclist", Holmes visits a country [[pub]] to make enquiries regarding a certain Mr Woodley which
{{blockquote|...had been drinking his beer in the tap-room, and had heard the whole conversation. Who was I? What did I want? What did I mean by asking questions? He had a fine flow of language, and his adjectives were very vigorous. He ended a string of abuse by a vicious backhander, which I failed to entirely avoid. The next few minutes were delicious. It was a straight left against a slogging ruffian. I emerged as you see me. Mr. Woodley went home in a cart.<ref name="Klinger II p. 915"/>}}
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