It happened so long ago that the exact dates are a little unclear, but the majority of sources agree that it was on this day, December 18, in 1810 that the first known interracial boxing match took place.
Set against the backdrop of Copthall Common in England, this was a bare-knuckle brawl for the ages, pitting England's Tom Cribb against African American fighter Tom Molineaux.
The fight, which lasted an astonishing 33 rounds of a scheduled 40, was a brutal and controversial contest that has since become an important chapter in boxing history.
Who was Tom Cribb?
Tom Cribb, known as the 'Champion of England,' was one of the most celebrated bare-knuckle boxers of his time. Born in Bristol in 1781, Cribb began his boxing career as a coal porter before finding fame in the prize fighting ring.
Standing at 5’10” and weighing around 200 pounds, Cribb was known for his incredible strength and stamina.
His victories over top British fighters earned him a reputation as the best in the business, and by 1810, he was the undisputed champion of England.
However, his bout against Molineaux would go on to be one of the defining moments of his career.
Who was Tom Molineaux?
Tom Molineaux’s story is as inspiring as it is tragic. Born into slavery in Virginia in 1784, Molineaux earned his freedom through his prowess as a fighter.
Legend has it that he won his master a fortune in a plantation boxing match, which led to his emancipation.
Seeking fame and fortune, Molineaux travelled to England, where he quickly made a name for himself in the bare-knuckle boxing scene. Known for his speed, power, and endurance, he was dubbed the 'Black Ajax.'
His fight against Cribb in 1810 was an opportunity not only to prove himself but to challenge racial prejudices of the time.
About the fight
The fight on Copthall Common was a brutal, no-holds-barred contest fought under the London Prize Ring Rules. It drew a massive crowd, including royalty and nobility, eager to see the battle between the undefeated champion and the formidable challenger.
Molineaux started strong, dominating many of the early rounds with his superior technique and power. In the 28th round, he landed a crushing blow that appeared to knock Cribb out.
However, the referee controversially extended the count, allowing Cribb to recover.
By the 33rd round, Molineaux was exhausted, battered, and allegedly injured, possibly due to foul play. Cribb took advantage and emerged victorious, cementing his legacy but sparking outrage and questions about the fairness of the contest.
Molineaux’s tragic end
Despite the controversy, Molineaux’s performance earned him widespread respect, and he remains a pioneer in boxing history.
Unfortunately, his life took a tragic turn after the fight.
While he continued boxing but never again reached the same heights. Plagued by injuries, financial troubles, and alcoholism, he died penniless in Ireland in 1818 at the age of 34 after contracting tuberculosis, reportedly after a stay in prison.
His contributions to boxing were largely forgotten until modern historians rediscovered his story and shone a light on the barriers he broke.
Molineaux in modern times
While Tom Molineaux may have died and been buried in a pauper's grave, his legacy has endured, and he remains an often spoken about figure.
After appearing on the TV show 'Finding Your Roots' rapper LL Cool J claimed Molineaux as a relative. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the Bare-Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.
In 2019 Ireland's Katie Taylor, the World Lightweight Champion unveiled a headstone over his previously unmarked grave in St James' graveyard in Galway.
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