The Endurance of 19th Century Boxers: Why They Fought for 70 Rounds Without Gassing

In the 1800s, boxers often fought extraordinarily long matches, sometimes exceeding 70 or even 100 rounds. This is quite unfathomable today, especially when modern boxers often start to gas out after just 10 rounds. This article explores the factors that enabled 19th-century boxers to endure such grueling bouts, including their fighting style, physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the structure of the sport.

The Fighting Style and Rules

Bare-Knuckle Boxing:

Early boxing was primarily bare-knuckle, which encouraged a different fighting style. Fighters focused more on stamina and strategy rather than knockout power. They relied on wearing down their opponents through constant pressure rather than seeking a quick finish. This style required endurance and mental focus, which was well-suited for prolonged bouts.

Rounds and Rest:

Many matches were not divided into timed rounds as in modern boxing. Instead, bouts continued until one fighter could no longer continue, with breaks in between for rest. These breaks allowed boxers to recover briefly, although they were still in competition, enabling them to maintain their efforts over extended periods.

Physical Conditioning

Training Regimen:

Boxers of the time had rigorous training routines that emphasized endurance. Engagements in long-distance running, calisthenics, and sparring helped build their stamina. Boxers were also often involved in labor-intensive jobs, which contributed to their overall fitness. Working-class boxers often engaged in jobs that kept them in shape, such as construction or manual labor.

Mental Toughness

Cultural Attitudes:

The 1800s had a different cultural view of toughness and masculinity. Fighters were expected to endure pain and fatigue, with a strong emphasis on resilience. The cultural attitudes of the time fostered a mindset that allowed boxers to push past physical and mental limits.

Stamina Over Speed:

The emphasis on stamina rather than speed or explosive power meant that fighters trained to maintain their energy over long periods. This approach to training prepared boxers to sustain their efforts for extended durations in the ring.

Nutrition and Recovery

Diet:

While the understanding of nutrition was not as advanced as it is today, boxers likely consumed diets that were sufficient for their energy needs. Many also used natural remedies and rest to aid in recovery. Proper nutrition was crucial for maintaining energy levels and recovering between rounds.

Rest:

The breaks between rounds allowed for some recovery, enabling fighters to regain composure and continue fighting. These brief respite periods were vital in maintaining the stamina needed for the long bouts of the 19th century.

The Evolution of the Sport

Changes in Boxing:

As boxing evolved, the introduction of gloves, timed rounds, and more structured rules changed the nature of fights. Modern training techniques, nutrition, and recovery methods have also advanced, leading to different physical demands on fighters today. The focus on explosive power and speed is now more prominent in modern boxing.

Conclusion

The combination of fighting style, physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the structure of bouts contributed to the ability of 19th-century boxers to endure such lengthy fights. While modern fighters may focus on explosive power and speed, historical boxers emphasized endurance, allowing them to last far longer in the ring. This article explores the factors that enabled these remarkable feats of endurance in the late 19th century.