Figg's Academy

Boxing pioneer James Figg opened his English School of Arms and Art of Self-Defense Academy in 1719 on Tottenham Court Road, London. It closed in 1743. It was also called "Figg's Amphitheatre."

• His Academy provided for:
  • Wooden rails for ring enclosure
  • An elevated stage platform
  • A referee who officiated outside the ring
  • Sparring exhibitions before bouts
  • The fight being declared over when one man remained standing
  • The sports of cudgeling, fencing and boxing