Boxing Origins & History

Boxing is one of the oldest sports still in existence, with its origins dating back to the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome.

Since then, it has changed dramatically, most notably in the 19th century with the introduction of the Queensberry Rules, the principles of which are still largely used in the modern iteration of the sport.

Early origins of boxing

The first documentation of boxing dates back to Ancient Greece where it was a popular amateur sport and was even included for the first Olympic Games.

Boxing was also a popular sport in Ancient Rome, which saw the first known introduction of gloves, although the metal-studded leather coverings used in those days were designed to do much more damage than just win a fight.

These potentially deadly bouts formed part of the gladiatorial spectacles of the day, although the popularity of boxing declined significantly following the fall of the Roman Empire.

Bare-knuckle prizefighting takes over

It was not until the 17th century in London that boxing once again grew in popularity, this time in the form of bare-knuckle prizefighting where spectators were able to bet on the outcome of each fight.

The first documented bare-knuckle fight was in 1681 and the first champion was James Figg in 1719, which also marked the first time the word "boxing" was used.

During this period there were no set rules for boxing, but that all changed in 1743 when a former champion fighter, Jack Broughton, came up with the '"Broughton Rules" in an attempt to make the sport safer.

Among the rules introduced were that fighters were not allowed to hit their opponents when they were on the floor and if a fighter was down for 30 seconds and could still not continue, then the contest would be declared over.

The Broughton Rules governed boxing until 1838 when the Original London Prize Ring Rules were introduced and they were then revised again in 1853.

Those revised rules would be followed for much of the 19th century until the Queensberry Rules became the sport’s primary source for governance. 

Queensberry Rules brings boxing into the modern day

The Queensberry Rules were first devised by John Graham Chambers in 1867 and published under the patronage of the Marquess of Queensberry.

There were 12 rules in total, most of which were aimed at making the sport more appealing to the masses by ensuring it was less savage and brutal.

Under the Queensberry Rules bare-fisted fighting, wrestling, hugging, hitting opponents while they were helpless and fighting to the finish were all prohibited.

The rules also brought about more structure to the sport, notably that each bout would be divided into three-minute rounds with one-minute rest after each.

Other notable changes included; if a fighter remained down for more than 10 seconds they would automatically lose the contest, and all fights would be required to take place in a roped ring measuring 24ft on each side.

The first world heavyweight championship fight under the Queensberry Rules took place at the Pelican Athletic Club in New Orleans, Louisiana on 7th September 1892 as American James J. Corbett beat compatriot John L. Sullivan.

Sullivan is widely regarded as being the last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion having beaten Jake Kilrain three years prior in 1889.

The Queensberry Rules remain the code used for governing professional boxing to this day.