Thomas Molineaux, a bare-knuckle boxer from Virginia, arrived in England in 1809 seeking prize-fighting success. Over the next six years, he became a central figure in the sport, defined by his high-profile championship matches against Tom Cribb and a career that transitioned from American arenas to tours across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Early Career and Move to England
Born in 1784, Molineaux reportedly entered the world in slavery, though documentation remains anecdotal. After obtaining his freedom, he purportedly competed in New York, styling himself as the Champion of America. Seeking professional opportunities, he moved to London, where he connected with Bill Richmond, another former slave who had established himself in the boxing circuit at the Horse and Dolphin in Leicester Square.
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Take the IQ test →The Rivalry with Tom Cribb
Molineaux launched his English career in July 1810 by defeating Jack Burrows at Tothill Fields, followed by a victory over Tom Blake in August. His primary challenges were against Tom Cribb. The first encounter in December 1810 at Shenington Hollow lasted 35 rounds and ended in controversy amid crowd interference and disputes over the referee's conduct. A rematch in 1811 at Thistleton Gap drew 15,000 spectators, resulting in a decisive defeat for Molineaux in the 11th round.
Professional Decline and Final Years
Following his losses to Cribb, Molineaux continued to fight, securing victories against opponents like Jack Carter and Abraham Denton. His final professional years included a tour through Scotland where he faced William Fuller and George Cooper. After retiring from competitive prize-fighting in 1815, he endured significant hardship, including time in a debtors' prison and a struggle with tuberculosis and alcohol dependency. He died in Galway, Ireland, on August 4, 1818, at the age of 34.
Fast facts
- Born: March 23, 1784, Virginia, United States
- Died: August 4, 1818, Galway, Ireland
- Occupation: Bare-knuckle boxer
- English fighting debut: 1810
- International Boxing Hall of Fame induction: 1997
- Final career year: 1815
Questions readers ask
Did Molineaux win his bouts against Tom Cribb?
No, he lost both matches, which were fought in 1810 and 1811.
How is Molineaux remembered today?
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997, and a headstone was unveiled at his grave in Galway by Katie Taylor in 2019.
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