The Father of Boxing: James Figg
Created | Updated Jan 3, 2013
Nowadays boxing is a regulated sport restricted to striking blows with the fists, but it has its origins in the prizefighting, or pugilism, of the 1700s.
Pugilism in those days was an incredibly brutal, no-holds-barred, anything goes affair. Eye-gouging and kicking a man on the ground (known as "purring") were allowed.
James Figg, a large man and expert fencer, was the first Champion of England, and undefeated throughout his career.
Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, an MMA fighter from a judo/sambo background, is generally considered to be the best fighter in the world today.
A bit of a hypothetical question really, but who would win in a scrap: James Figg or Fedor Emelianenko?
