The Early Days
Boxing in Scotland can be traced back to the 1600s when it was mainly practiced as entertainment by the lower classes. In those days, boxing was viewed as an acceptable form of physical activity by upper-class society, due to its focus on skill and technique rather than strength and power. Over time, however, it became more associated with gambling as betting increased around matches. The 18th century saw boxing become more organized in Scotland, with bouts taking place on large fields or on barges moored on rivers. Boxing during this period was usually bare-knuckle and followed the London Prize Ring rules established by Jack Broughton in 1743. The first known championship bout to be held in Scotland was between James Figg and Ned Sutton in 1729. The 19th century saw an explosion of interest in boxing across Great Britain, including Scotland, with hundreds of bouts being held each year by professional boxers. Glasgow became particularly famous for its association with boxing during this period, hosting many championship fights in front of large crowds and generating significant revenue for promoters and boxers alike.
However, despite its popularity during this time the sport was still illegal throughout the UK until 1860 when Parliament finally legalized it after pressure from John L Sullivan who is considered to be one of the greatest boxers ever to have lived. This eventually led to formal governing bodies being established to oversee professional boxing matches throughout Britain, including The Scottish Amateur Boxing Association which was founded in 1920.
Modern-Day Boxing
To this day, The Scottish Amateur Boxing Association is still responsible for overseeing amateur boxing matches throughout Scotland. Professional bouts are now regulated by The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) which licenses all professional trainers and fighters operating within Britain today. As such there are now countless facilities dedicated solely to training up-and-coming boxers both professionally and recreationally throughout Scotland, providing aspiring fighters with a platform from which they can hone their craft and potentially make their way into the big leagues like so many famous pugilists before them have done over the years. Today’s boxing scene in Scotland is much different from that of the past. Professional boxers such as Ricky Burns, Josh Taylor and Scott Harrison have become household names in recent years due to their success in the ring. Amateur boxing is also popular in Scotland; there are many clubs throughout the country offering training for all levels and abilities. Thanks to increased awareness of safety measures such as head guards and gloves, amateur boxing continues to gain popularity among Scots looking for a fun way to stay fit or compete at an amateur level.
The Future of Boxing
With its rich history and current popularity, it looks like boxing will remain a big part of Scottish life for many years to come. There are already plans underway to build new facilities throughout Scotland so that more people can get involved with the sport. With increasing numbers of professional boxers coming out of Scotland each year—and some even winning world titles—it’s clear that this sport is here to stay! There’s something for everyone who wants to get involved with this sport! Today it remains one of Scotland’s most popular sports with thousands turning out every year to cheer on their favorite fighters at events held across the country from Edinburgh to Glasgow! Whether you’re an aspiring boxer or just someone who wants to watch some exciting bouts; you’ll find plenty to enjoy when it comes to Scottish boxing. Here at Musclebound we are proud to stock worldwide premium boxing brand equipment and accessories from Ringside Boxing UK, Pro-Box UK, Eizo Sports, Carbon Claw, Bravose and more. If you would like to learn how to get started with boxing, feel free to read our article “Necessary Equipment For Boxing” If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Musclebound team today or pop into our shop located at 14 New Street Paisley, Scotland, UK. PA1 1XY
