James Figg

1st Champion of England / Master of Arms

First official Heavyweight Champion of England in bare-knuckle boxing (1719) and Master of Arms.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1695

Date of Death12/7/1734

Era18th century

Country of OriginUnited Kingdom

Rank / TitleFather of Modern Boxing & Saber Master

Active Years1719–1734

Biography

James Figg is widely considered the Father of Modern Boxing. Becoming England's first Bare-knuckle Champion in 1719, he established Figg's Amphitheatre in London for sword and fist combat.

Associated Martial Arts

London Prize Ring RulesChampion→

The 1838 rules of the bare-knuckle prize ring. A round ended with a knockdown, rounds were unlimited, and a bout ran until a man failed to toe the line.