Timeline: History of Boxing

1681

First Ever Boxing Match

This took place in Britain when the Duke of Albemarle engineered a bout between his butler and his butcher.

1733

First International Boxing Match

Bob Whittaker beat “The Venetian Gondolier”, Tito di Carni at James Figg's academy amphitheatre in Marylebone, London.

1751

First International World Title Prize Fight

Jack Stack of England, beats challenger M. Petit of France in 29 mins in England.

1818

First Boxing Gloves Created

Jack Broughton designed padded gloves first used in a competitive boxing match between 2 unnamed English boxers at Aix-la-Chapelle in France.

1884

First Televised Boxing Match

Mike Leonard fought Jack Cushing in a short film in Edison's Black Maria Studio.

1902

First Mouth Guard

Jack Marles is a dentist who invented the first mouth guard for boxers in London.

1941

World War Boxing

Boxing competition was put on pause because more than four thousand boxers joined the military including 5 world champions. They did not resume until 1946.

1971

The Fight of the Century

Muhammed Ali Vs Joe Frazier “The Fight of the Century” Both undefeated and heavyweight champs. https://youtu.be/nhbQHq4fr1c?si=rCHoxwFVSHmDuII2

1990

The Greatest Upset

Buster Douglas had the greatest upset in boxing history. He was the 42-1 underdog and in 10 rounds Buster KO Mike Tyson to win the heavyweight title.
https://youtu.be/2wvc3eRtyFA?si=4BwGtHjOT0P-z0oO

1997

The Bite

Mike Tyson bit Evander Hollyfields ear tearing off a piece of cartilage in the third round. Tyson was disqualified and temporarily lost his boxing license.