Attn Historians. Who was the first boxer to make use of the stare down?

Since we have no film earlier than FItz /Corbett,we have no way of telling.

 

I didnt say they stared down ,just pointed out we have no way of telling about the likes of Belcher ,Molineaux,Cribb etc.Fitz didnt smile because Corbett had spat in his face prior to the fight ,consequently Fitz refused to shake Corbett's hand before the fight.Good old Gentleman Jim

 

I don't know who was first, but it was done in the bareknuckle days.
Here is an excerpt from the London Times on the Cribb-Molineaux fight of 1811.

"The combatants mounted the stage at twelve o'clock and at eighteen minutes past, (having viewed each other with significant glances) they prepared for combat."

I assume those "significant glances" were staredowns.

 

I assume, that started back in the days when boxing ment something, back in the glory days of the Roman Empire, Were 2 men walk in, and 1 man leaves, alive. Perhaps holding his beating foes head to the yelling crowd. All back when boxing ment something.