Queen Victoria's 76th birthday is mentioned, so that makes the date May 24, 1895.
In his first interview with Cutler, the boxing promoter, it is learned that Det. Murdoch makes around C$400 a year, "give or take".
John L. Sullivan was the first world heavyweight boxing champion from 1885 to 1892, when he was beaten by James J. Corbett. Some boxing historians consider Corbett the first champion as he was champion when the modern Marquis of Queensbury rules were introduced 1n 1895, the year that the story takes place.
Queen Victoria being born in 1819 ,and this being her 76th birthday - would make the year being 1895 .