James Figg The first world boxing champion Date of Birth: 01.01.1684 Country: Great Britain

1. The Birth of Boxing
2. James Figg: The First Champion
3. The Patronage of Earl Peterborough
4. The First School of Boxing
5. Public Exhibitions and Philanthropy
6. The Nemesis: Ned Sutton
7. Legacy and Demise

The Birth of Boxing

Boxing, a sport of endurance and strategy, demands not only brute strength but also keen intellect within the ring. In the early days of the sport, there was little glory or fortune to be had. Training apprentices was the only means of earning a living from one's fighting prowess.

James Figg: The First Champion

James Figg, an Englishman born in 1684, became the first champion of boxing's precursor, prizefighting. As the youngest child in a modest farming family, inheritance offered little prospects. Instead, Figg turned to exhibition fighting for sustenance.

The Patronage of Earl Peterborough

Fate smiled upon Figg at a local fair near Thame. Earl Peterborough, a war veteran and patron of sports, witnessed his skill. The Earl sponsored Figg's move to London, providing him with lodging on Oxford Road and aiding in his professional debut.

The First School of Boxing

In London, Figg established a school of self-defense, offering lessons in bare-knuckle boxing, quarterstaff, smallsword, and broadsword. By 1719, Figg's reputation had soared, and he was widely acknowledged as the reigning champion. His school, originally known as "Adam and Eve Court," was renamed "Figg's Academy" (also known as "Figg's Amphitheatre") in 1710. A plaque bearing his name still graces the building today.

Public Exhibitions and Philanthropy

Figg continued to showcase his skills in public exhibitions at fairs and in the streets of London. These displays were intended not only for entertainment but also to educate the working class in self-defense. Occasionally, he would perform elaborate weapon demonstrations for wealthier patrons. Such acts of generosity only further enhanced his popularity.

The Nemesis: Ned Sutton

Figg's most notable rivalry was with Ned Sutton of Gravesend, which spanned almost a decade. According to legend, the two fought three times. In a public exhibition bout where Figg invited any challenger, Sutton seized an unlikely victory.

Undeterred, Figg journeyed to Sutton's hometown for a rematch, which he won decisively. Sutton, seeking revenge, arranged a third and final bout on June 6, 1727, which included boxing, swordplay, and quarterstaff. Figg emerged victorious in all three contests.

Legacy and Demise

Throughout his career, Figg lost only once, as mentioned above. He fought in approximately 280 exhibition bouts before his passing in 1734. The legendary champion was laid to rest in St. Marylebone Cemetery.