The ten most historicaly important British fighters of all time

I am working on it.

Watch this space.

 

Jack Broughton 1704-1789

British Champion 1734-1750

This content is protected

Jack Broughton is thought to be the best boxer of the early period of the British Prize Ring. He is described as scientific, fast and posesing a sharp penetrating stare. His favorite punch is described as “the peg to the stomach” suggesting that he was a body puncher. He also often used a blow under the ear to stop opponents.He developed early boxing methodology specialised in “milling on the retreat” (i.e. moving backwards and drawing an opponent into punches so their effectiveness was increased).

In 1741, Jack Broughton beat George Stevenson so badly in a 35 minute contest that a few days later Stevenson died; The tragedy upset Broughton and in an effort to ensure that it would not happen again he drew up the “Broughtion Rules” in 1743 which governed boxing up until the introduction of the “London Prize Ring Rules” in 1883.

Broughton is credited with having invented the boxing glove. Broughton's gloves were lightweight mufflers and used only in sparring at this time.




Daniel Mendoza 1764-1863

Champion 1794-1995

This content is protected

Daniel Mendoza is the guy who really wrote the book on boxing technique and defined it for the next generation. Our understanding of boxing technique of the era is based on his books.

Although only 5’7” and 160 pounds, Mendoza’s speed and agility allowed him to triumph over larger, slower opponents. He was described by early boxing historian Pierce Egan as “a complete artist” and “a star of the first brilliancy” Mendoza was born in the east end of London to Spanish parents, and was the first Jewish fighter ever to gain prominence

With the retirement of Ben Brain, Mendoza claimed the championship. His grip on the title was solidified with a victory over Bill Warr in 1794. As champion, Mendoza toured England, Scotland, and Ireland demonstrating his skills as part of the Aston Circus. Mendoza held the title until 1795 when John Jackson knocked him out in nine rounds.




Tom Cribb 1781-1884

British Champion 1807-1820

This content is protected

A former dock worker and later powder ****** in the Royal Navy, Tom Cribb is thought by many historians of the period to be the greatest bareknuckle champion of them all. He is also thought to be the first champion to mount a modern style training camp to prepare for a bout. Like Broughton his style is described as “milling on the retreat”. Cribb held the championship for thirteen years and defeated other all time greats such as Jem Belcher and Tom Molineux.

Cribb defeated Jem Belcher to win the title but he is best known for his two clashes with the American champion Tom Molineux which are seen by historians as the first international superfight. Molineaux was a former American slave and the first black manto fight for a championship. Cribb won the first match controvertialy. In preparation for the rematch Cribb went to a secluded part of Scotland and used runs and long walks to reduce his weight and improved his stamina. He also stayed away from alcohol. His use of the first ever “training camp” was vindicated by an early knockout in the rematch.

On his retirement Cribb was presented with a lion skin belt thought to be the first ever championship belt.




Dutch Sam 1775-1816

This content is protected

Samuel Elias or “Dutch Sam” was born in the same town as future hall of famers Jackie "Kid" Berg and Ted Lewis.

He is thought by most students of the period to be the best “pound for pound” fighter of the bareknuckle era, and one of the hardest pound for pound hitters of all time. At 5'6" he fought most of his career under the lightweight limit and often knocked out opponents up to 168 pounds. With no weight classes the only way he could make a name or a career for himself was by constantly giving up weight and beating much larger men.
Some historians have credited Sam with the invention of the uppercut. Whether or not this is true his frequent use of, and success with the uppercut led to its widespread use.

 

Over the past 20 years perhaps.

British boxing actualy has a history going back to the early 1700s.

 

More tomorrow.

Im off to Bed.