The late 1880?s and the early 1900?s are considered the pioneer years of the modern fight game. That is around the time when the Marquess of Queensbury rules (which are still used today) gained popularity over the London Prize rules, giving birth to what we know now as boxing. However the sport was drastically different then even though the same set of rules apply.
Back then, fighters fought with bags on their fists. Boxers were not protected by standing eight counts, even after knockdowns. Fights were often scheduled to go ?as long as needed?. Refusing to fight a challenger based on the color of his skin was commonplace and regarded by most as the right thing to do.
