Collect boxing memorabilia
The Greeks originally introduced an ancient form of boxing at their Olympic games around 688 BC. C., although sport only began to prosper years later in Roman times. Boxers in those days, or to be more precise, pugilists did not have access to gloves, helmets and other protective gear like boxers do today, the hand covering used in those days consisted of leather straps for the hands that were later replaced with the boxing glove.
Boxing only began to be accepted in England in the 18th century, when betting on what was known as the workers’ sport was common throughout the country.
In the 19th century, prize fighting prevailed, there were no written rules, formal ring, weight divisions, timed round structure or referee, this version of the sport was a dangerous and uncontrolled activity in which deaths sometimes occurred and it was not unusual for riots to break out. break.
As a result of a match in which he had killed his opponent in 1741, Jack Broughton introduced a more formal structure which by 1743 became known as the “Broughton rules”. Silencers were used for the first time and we figured they would provide some breathing space for the fighters competing.
In 1788, the Prince of Wales was recorded as having been present at a fight held at Smitham Bottom, Croydon, between William Futrell and Sir John Jackson.
So far I have not been able to find any authentic memory of the boxing of this era..
The London Pride ring rules were introduced in 1838 and were based on those drafted by Jack Broughton nearly a hundred years earlier.
In 1865, the 8th Marquess of Queensbury, John Sholto Douglas, considered the patron saint of boxing, drafted a new set of rules that became the sport as we know it today, some of the most significant changes included three-minute rounds, ring structure. , no shoes or boots with springs and the regulated use of approved boxing gloves that must be the right size, of the best quality and new.
The first world heavyweight champion under Queensberry rules was Gentleman Jim Corbett who defeated John L. Sullivan in New Orleans in 1892.
In 1904, boxing was included in the St. Louis Olympics; this created a tremendous groundswell of worldwide interest in the sport.
The National Boxing Association became the first authorized organization to govern the sport in 1927. Fighters were ranked and bouts were scheduled between champions and top challengers.
There are currently three recognized sanctioning bodies, the WBC, IBF and WBA, which are the only organizations whose boxing titles are formally recognized worldwide.
Today boxing is divided into two divisions, amateur and professional, the former being found mainly in schools, the armed forces, universities, and the Olympics. The latter, which is televised around the world and still attracts healthy interest from the many enthusiasts eager to bet on the outcome.
Collecting boxing memorabilia is a fast growing hobby/business with sale houses such as Bonham’s in London and Knights Sporting Auctions in Norwich holding sales on a regular basis.
Collectors are always interested in posters, programs, prints, photographs, magazines, gloves, and outfits, many of which are signed by boxing legends and highly sought after. Below are examples of collectible boxers.
Jake La Motta, Joe Frazier, Joe Louis, Gene Tunney, Georges Carpentier, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali. George Foreman, Mike Tyson, Sir Henry Cooper, Ricky Hatton, Roberto Duran, to name just a few of the iconic heroes.
I hope this short article will introduce you to the pleasure of collecting and enjoying boxing memorabilia.
Written by: Selby
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