James Figg
James Figg (* 1684 in Thame , Oxfordshire ; † December 8, 1734 ) was an English heavyweight boxer . He is considered the first recognized heavyweight champion in England.
Even if boxing was already taking place in England in the 17th century, Figg, who was also strong in other sports such as fencing, was able to establish himself as a generally recognized master from 1719 and found a boxing school. Back then you still fought bare-knuckle , i.e. with your bare fist without the protection of gloves.
He was good friends with William Hogarth , his sponsor was the Earl of Peterborough.
Figg resigned in 1734, and George Taylor, one of his students, declared himself the new master.
In 1992 Figg was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame .
Web links
- Joachim Telgenbüscher: Boxing pioneer James Figg: The real Muhammad Ali ( Spiegel Online , April 11, 2015, accessed April 12, 2015)
- James Figg. In: International Boxing Hall of Fame. January 27, 2009, accessed March 25, 2013 .
- thamehistory
- oxfordshire blue plaques
personal data | |
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SURNAME | Figg, James |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION | English heavyweight boxer |
DATE OF BIRTH | 1684 or 1695 |
PLACE OF BIRTH | Thame , Oxfordshire |
DATE OF DEATH | December 8, 1734 |