Who Invented Boxing? The Hidden History of the Sweet Science

The Origins of Boxing & The Genius Behind the Fundamentals

Boxing, one of humanity’s oldest sports, has been around for millennia. But have you ever wondered who invented it? Or who created the iconic jab-cross combination that we now see in every boxing ring? Let’s dive into the fascinating story of the “Sweet Science.”

The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, over 3,000 years ago, where it was practiced as a bare-knuckle brawl for glory and survival. It wasn’t until the Greeks adopted it as an Olympic sport in 688 BCE that it became formalized, with leather hand wraps marking the first "gloves."

But the modern sport we love today owes its roots to 17th- and 18th-century England. Boxing was reinvented as a regulated combat sport by James Figg, often called the “Father of Modern Boxing.” Figg was a master of the bare-knuckle era, but his student, Jack Broughton, is the one who changed the game. In 1743, Broughton introduced the first set of official rules, which banned techniques like grappling and set the stage for what we now know as boxing.

And what about the jab, cross, and those precise fundamentals every boxer practices today? Much of that is credited to the great Jim Corbett, the man who transformed boxing from brute force into a tactical, scientific art. Known as "Gentleman Jim," Corbett pioneered defensive footwork and disciplined combinations, making him the first true technician of the sport. He was the original tactician who made throwing a jab an art and using the cross a science.

Today, every boxer—from beginners to world champions—stands on the shoulders of these legends. Next time you step into the ring, remember: each punch you throw carries centuries of history and innovation.

Want to perfect your jab, cross, and fundamentals? At Rebel Boxing, we honor the legacy of the sport by helping you master its timeless techniques. Visit our website or join us at the gym to start your journey into the Sweet Science today!