Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 209, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1919 — Pugilism in 1725. [ARTICLE]

Pugilism in 1725.

Jack Broughton, the father of pugilism, fought his first fight over 193 years ago; to be exact, It was on July 9, 1725. He was engaged in many rough-and-tumble fights with other lads, but at that time he knew nothing of boxing, which was just being introduced by James, Figg. While attending a fair Broughton was attracted by a boxing booth kept by Figg and was much incensed by the foul tactics used by a big man in boxing a much smaller one. He remonstrated with the big bruiser and an altercation ensued which had reached the stage of fisticuffs when Figg interfered and Invited the two men to the stage to settle their differences. Young Broughton, after ten desperate rounds, completely triumphed over his older, bigger and more experienced opponent. That was Broughton’s introduction to the ring. After Figg’s death-he became champion and by formulating a code of rules to govern the game he became entitled to rank as the founder of modern pugilism.