The All England Boxing Champion from 1808 to 1822, Tom Cribb, defined the brutal era of 19th-century bare-knuckle pugilism. Born in Hanham near Bristol on 8 July 1781, he eventually dominated the sport through a series of grueling, multi-round prizefights that cemented his standing as the foremost fighter of his time before his retirement.
Early Career and Professional Transition
Moving to London at 13, Cribb initially found employment as a bell-hanger before working as a coal porter in Wapping. His professional boxing career began under the tutelage of Captain Robert Barclay. He debuted on 7 January 1805 at Wood Green, Middlesex, against George Maddox. Following this victory and a subsequent win against Tom Blake, Cribb committed to professional prizefighting. His sole career defeat occurred on 20 July 1805 against George Nicholls.
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Cribb rose to prominence by defeating former champion Jem Belcher on 8 April 1807 at Moulsey Hurst in a 44-round match. Following the retirement of John Gully, Cribb faced Bob Gregson in October 1808, securing the English championship after 23 rounds. He successfully defended this title in an 1809 rematch against Belcher. In 1810 and 1811, he engaged in two high-profile, multi-round contests against American former slave Tom Molineaux, winning at Copthorne Common and Thistleton Gap respectively.
Retirement and Later Life
After a decade without credible challengers, Cribb formally resigned his championship on 15 May 1822 at the Fives Court, where he was presented with a ceremonial belt. He transitioned into the trades, operating as a coal merchant and a boxing trainer. He also managed the Union Arms pub on Panton Street, London. In 1839, he moved to Woolwich, where he died on 11 May 1848, aged 66.
Commemoration and Cultural Legacy
Cribb was buried at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich, where his memorial remains in the form of a lion resting its paw on an urn. Beyond local landmarks and street names, his influence persists in literary culture. He is referenced in works by Charles Dickens, George MacDonald Fraser, and Patrick O'Brian. His matches were dramatized in the 2014 play Prize Fighters by Ed Viney.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 July 1781, Hanham, Bristol
- Died: 11 May 1848, Woolwich
- All England Champion: 1808–1822
- Burial site: St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich
- International Boxing Hall of Fame induction: 1991
- Career record: Only one recorded defeat
Questions readers ask
Was Tom Cribb ever defeated during his professional career?
Yes, although some contemporaries attempted to obscure the record, George Nicholls defeated Cribb on 20 July 1805.
What happened to the pub Cribb managed in London?
The Union Arms, located at 26 Panton Street, eventually became the Tom Cribb pub at 36 Panton Street.
