British Bareknuckle Boxing History (1700s) Quiz

Answer: 1720

James Figg was born in 1694 in Thame, Oxfordshire. He established a school for self-defense called, "Figg's Academy", on Tottenham Court Road about 1720. Taught fencing, boxing, use of the back-sword and cudgel. It was then that he challenged any man to fight him.

Answer: Ned Sutton

Broughton and Figg have boxed in exhibitions, but no formal fights together. Chris Clarkson was known as "The Old Soldier", and lost a tough battle against Figg in June of 1723. Timothy Buck is really the first known name to face James Figg, losing in 1720. Ned Sutton was a pipe maker from Gravesend.

He fought James Figg at least three times, winning one in 1725. He joined Figg's Academy some time later, leading some to think that their final bout in 1727 was fixed in order to drum up some business.

Answer: George Stevenson

In 1741, Jack Broughton and George Stevenson faced each other in the ring. It was a brutal bout that ended with Stevenson collapsing after a hard punch over the heart from Broughton. Stevenson died a month later from his injuries. During this time, they became friends, and Stevenson died in Broughton's arms. Jack James and Tom Pipes were also opponents of Broughton's. Captain Godfrey was not a professional fighter.

He was an amateur that actually recorded the rules for Broughton because Broughton could not write.

They were published in August of 1743.

Answer: Captain John Godfrey

The "Treatise Upon The Useful Science of Defense", covered the physical principles behind bareknuckle boxing and the characters of Jack Broughton, Tom Pipes, George Stevenson, and others. Fewtrell published the, "Science of Manual Defence" in 1790. Oxberry published, "Pancratia, Or A History of Pugilism" in 1812. Egan published, "Boxiana: Sketches of Ancient & Modern Pugilism" in 1830.

Answer: Bottom

This is a measure of a fighter's "heart" or courage and determination. Also called game, or grit.

Answer: Charles Mordaunt, Earl of Peterborough

Charles Mordaunt was a former soldier who helped take Barcelona from the French in 1705. He spotted Figg displaying his abilities and helped Figg set up his academy in Tottenham Court Road. Captain John Godfrey, as we have already seen, was an amateur fighter and a writer. William Augustus backed Jack Broughton for numerous fights. Fletcher Reid backed pugilists Tom and Jem Belcher.

Answer: False

"Fancy" referred to the boxing sporting fraternity; enthusiasts who followed the sport.

Answer: Muffler

Mufflers were the first boxing gloves. Their use attracted more of the rich amateurs who were afraid to damage their good looks! They were used only in exhibitions or training.

Answer: Jack Slack defeated Jack Broughton

On April 11, 1750, Jack Slack defeated Jack Broughton. The Duke of Cumberland lost money on this fight and was so furious he outlawed boxing for a time. Tom Pipes and Jack Broughton faced each other numerous times, but there is no evidence that Pipes ever beat Broughton. Jack Broughton and James Figg never fought in a formal fight, only exhibitions. Jack Slack did not defeat George Taylor in 1750.

It was Taylor who won in only 25 minutes on January 31.

Answer: True

From Broughton's Rules:
1. A square of yard will be chalked in the middle of the stage. After each fall each second is to bring his fighter to the side of the square, placing him opposite his opponent. They cannot strike each other until they are properly set up at the lines. This line was called "scratch".