Where there a lot of sportsmen around at the time?
yes
How many of them?
half of the population
What was threatening the nation at the time?
Napoleon
What were the sportsmen more concerned about?
the great fight
How was being trained for the fight?
Crab Wilson
Who was training him?
Captain Barclay
Who did the uncle nominate?
no one yet
Who was he thinking of nominating?
Jim
Why Jim?
his physique and  performance
Where the people betting on Jim to win the fight?
no
Who were they betting on?
Wilson
What kind of training was Jim doing?
a severe regimen
Doing what?
running, jumping, striking a bladder, sparring
How did the author of this story feel about Jim's chances?
he had misgivings
What happened to his misgivings?
the vanished
What made them vanish?
watching his gallant bearing