This is from the section Moscow in Book III Chapter II of Travels in Poland, Russia, Sweden and Denmark by William Coxe A. M. F. R. S. F. A. S. This is from the fifth edition dated 1802, however the first edition was published i 1784, the travels themselves seem to be dated to 1772 P310-312 At the close of an entertainment, which the count gave us at Moscow, he introduced us to the sight of a Russian boxing-match, which is a favourite diversion among the common people. We repaired to the manege, where we found about three hundred peasants assembled. They divided into two parties, each of which chose a chief, who called out the combatants, and pitted them against each other; only a single pair was allowed to engage at the fame time. They did not strip, and had on thick leathern gloves with thumb pieces, but with no separations for the singers. From the stiffness of the leather they could scarcely double their sists, and many of them struck open-handed. Their attitudes were different from those used by boxers in England : they advanced the left foot and side, stretched the left arm towards the adversary to repel his blows, and kept the right arm swinging at some distance from the other. They generally struck in a circular direction at the face and head, never attacked the breast or sides, and seemed to have, no notion of aiming a blow directly forwards. When any combatant felled his antagonist he was declared victor, and the contest ceased. During our stay we witnessed about twenty suc cessive combats. Some of the men were of vast strength; but their mode of sighting prevented mischief ; nor did we perceive any of those contusions and fractures in which boxing-matches in England frequently terminate. Both parties were highly interested in favour of their respective champions, and seemed at times inclined to enter the lists in their support; but the first appearance of dispute, or growing heat, was checked by the count, who acted as mediator: a kind word, or even a nod from him, instantly composed all differences. When he appeared desirous to put an end to the combats, they humbly requested his permission to honour them with his presence a little longer ; upon his assent, they bowed their heads to the ground, and seemed as pleased as if they had received the highest favour. The count is greatly beloved by his peasants, and their stern countenances melted into the most asfectionate softness at his approach.
It wasn't boxing, it was half-sport half-amusement that had some similarity to boxing, but wasn't boxing, like there can be martial arts where you mostly use your hands for hitting and defending, but that are not boxing.
Here's a reconstruction of what that old russian fighting looked like, there are several videos on the list This content is protected
I'm still very interested in alot of the old and newer training videos of the Ukrainians and Russians and the old black and white Soviet training vids. Very interesting punching styles and some nice conditioning drills. Viktor Ageev is my favorite old Soviet boxer. Pirog has some kools vids too along with Tszyu.
