Broughton, Jack (1704–1789)

English founder of boxing. He opened an amphitheatre in Oxford Road (now Oxford Street) in London, England, in 1734 and also drew up the first Rules of boxing in an effort to minimize prize-ring brutality. Broughton introduced gloves (mufflers) to protect his aristocratic pupils from facial damage. His Boxing Rules remained until superseded by the London Prize Ring Rules in 1838.

Broughton was born in Gloucestershire, England. In 1734 he became champion of England by defeating George Taylor in 20 minutes. He was patronized by the Duke of Cumberland until he lost his title to Jack Slack in 1750. Broughton made a considerable fortune, becoming an antiques dealer and latterly being made a yeoman of the guard.