When did handwraps emerge?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by RealDeal, Jun 11, 2021.



  1. RealDeal

    RealDeal Pugilist Specialist Full Member

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    I know this is kind of a random question but does anyone know when boxers started wearing handwraps under their gloves? I found a few references to “bandages” being worn in the era of Fitzsimmons, Jeffries, Corbett, etc but wasn’t exactly sure what was meant by bandages.
     
  2. reznick

    reznick In the 7.2% Full Member

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    At least Ancient Greece
     
  3. RealDeal

    RealDeal Pugilist Specialist Full Member

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    Didn’t they use handwraps with stuff in them meant to injure their opponent, such as shards of glass? I seem to remember reading that one time.
     
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  4. Saintpat

    Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I ran across something I found interesting on the emergence of mouthpieces/gumshields and how they evolved in fit/design) a while back. Never looked into wraps.
     
  5. SolomonDeedes

    SolomonDeedes Active Member Full Member

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    I think they became pretty standard during the 1900s. Quite a bit of wrangling about it early on because Jeffries didn't wear them but some of his challengers - Fitzsimmons, Corbett, and I think Tom Sharkey - insisted on being allowed to. Naturally enough, when you're up against such a tough opponent you're going to want to be able to throw your hardest shots without breaking your hands on his head.
     
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