Breathing Boxing History

History as we know it.

The Breathing Boxing History page is a “living” page, that will continue to grow, as we are able to assemble the information to add.  We are hoping to provide the public with a “one stop shop” boxing history page and we will attempt to represent the purest and most accurate historical account as possible. Disclaimer: Many parts of boxing history are very debatable, and subjective, we encourage you to leave comments below to voice your understanding of any particular part of history.  Also, please feel free to suggest any parts of boxing history that we may have missed or that you would like to see added, we will consider all requests.  Please send your suggestions to: rstephenson@breathingboxing.com

Boxing Rules, and Jurisdictions

The Marquess of Queensberry rules

The Marquess of Queensberry rules, often referred to as “Queensberry rules”   is the code of accepted rules that currently govern the sport of boxing all over the world.  They were written by John Graham Chambers, and published in 1867, however,  John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry was the first publicly endorse the code, which is why they took the name “Marquess of Queensberry”. Although...

London Prize Ring Rules

London Prize Ring Rules, where originally created in 1743 by Jack Broughton (the 3rd Heavyweight champion in England’s history), who to many, was known as the father of English boxing. He also invented the first boxing gloves called “Mufflers”, which were used for training, but his set of rules governed bare-knuckle boxing.  His Rules lasted...

American Fair Play Rules:

The American Fair Play Rules were written by David Blanchard in 1888, based off of the Marquess of Queensberry rules.  These rules were considered to address the most objectionable parts of the Queensberry rules, they were thought to be a safer, and fairer set of rules.  Being designed for amateur fighting, with their safety-first nature, The American Fair...