The origin of boxing in the 17th century

Name meaning: Boxing comes from the Latin pugil, “a boxer,” related to the Latin pugnus, “fist,” and derived in turn from the Greek pyx, “with clenched fist.”

Date of orgin:  Modern boxing originated in the 17th century

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Combat elements: Various punches Jab, Cross, Hook and Uppercut

Weapons in use: None

Today, boxing enjoys great popularity on all continents. Yet, it seems like many people are unfamiliar with its history.

Ancient History

Many sculptures and wall paintings suggest that the first forms of boxing are dating back 1500-1400 BC in the Greek island, Minoan Crete. Also, a martial art developed in the Indian subcontinent named musti-yuddha also represents one of the earliest forms.

But, the boxing that we know today was firstly introduced on 23rd Olympiad (688 BC) in ancient Greece. In the beginnings, there were no weight divisions or rounds. Fighters would fight until one of them conceded a defeat and could no longer continue. To protect themselves, boxers would only use leather thongs to wrap their wrists.

Later, boxing would become popular in the Roman Empire. However, their version was much more brutal. Fighters (often slaves) would fight in Roman Amphitheaters until death in order to satisfy the bloodthirsty crowd. Sometimes, the slaves battled in a circle marked on the floor which is today known as a “Ring”.  However, with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, wearing weapons became popular once again, and the interest in fist fighting declined.

The Prizefighters of London

Fast forward a couple of centuries, wearing swords and participating in duels with weapons became less common. As a result, boxing became popular once again and it started developing in England during the 16th century. The early forms represented pure bare-knuckle matches. Since the fights included the prize money, competitors were also known as prizefighters.

The first-ever bare-knuckle bout was held in London Protestant Mercury in 1681. The same year, Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albemarle would organize the first recorded boxing bout. The fight took place between his butler and his butcher on January 6, 1681. Also, Bare-knuckle boxing would crown its first champion James Figg four decades later in 1719. Like in ancient Greece, these fights didn't have any rules, rounds or referees.

In 1743, the boxing champion Jack Broughton introduced the first-ever set of boxing rules. The rules included a 30s countdown after the knockdown and punches below the waist and on a downed boxer became forbidden. As a result, boxing became safer and fighters healthier.

 
The development of “Marquess of Queensberry” Rules

During the 1800s, boxing has seen many rule changes that are present to this day. In 1867, John Chambers developed the famous "Marquess of Queensberry" set of 12 rules.  They've all suggested the fights should be “a fair stand-up boxing match” and included the following rules:

• Bouts included three-minute rounds and one minute break between.
• Ten seconds countdown after the knockdown
• Boxers can’t use grappling or wrestling techniques
• Boxers must fight standing in the 24-foot square or similar ring
• Introduction of gloves

Also, Chambers founded the Amateur Boxing Association in 1880. The first-ever amateur championship took place just a year later at Lillie Bridge. These rules were true game-changers. Immediately, boxing became a safe sport and matches fair. Because the fights became longer, fighters started implementing tactics and strategies. Also, fighters used the gloves to block punches and perform many defensive maneuvers like slipping, bobbing, angling and countering.

Present day

With the rules presented above, boxing started enjoying an increase in popularity and it began spreading all across the world during the 19th century. During that time, boxing game and rules would evolve even more as the money started coming in. From illegal events and prizefighting, boxing grew into the most popular combat sport and multibillion-dollar business.
Today, boxing is one of the most recognized combat sports in all seven continents. Almost every town has a boxing gym and its benefits on the physical and mental health of teenagers are constantly emerging.

Articles by Bushu.ch