James Figg

James Figg (* 1695 in Thame, Oxfordshire, † December 8, 1734 ) was an English heavyweight boxer. He is considered the first recognized heavyweight champion of England.

Even if was punched in the 17th century in England, located only Figg, who was strong in other sports such as fencing, as 1719 generally acknowledged master was able to establish and set up a boxing school. At that time it was still fighting bare- knuckle, so with his bare fist without the protection of gloves.

He was good friends with William Hogarth, his sponsor was the Earl of Peterborough.

Figg came back in 1734, George Taylor, one of his disciples, declared himself the new master.

In 1992, Figg induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.