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Just for fun
JAMES "Jemmy" FIGG
Born - Thame, England
Height - 6 feet
Weight - 185 pounds
Record - Claimed over 270 victories against 1 defeat
James Figg came from a poor family in Thame. He took to prize fighting at an early age to earn money. Once he gained a solid reputation, he opened an academy of arms in London which included wrestling, swordplay, fighting with cudgels and of course, boxing. By 1719, he claimed to be holder of the title "Champion of England", a title he held until 1730 or so. Some of his victims in the prize ring were tough customers; the likes of Lancashire soldier Christopher Clarkson and Dublin Carpenter Philip McDonald. Figg claimed to have lost only one bout against a gentleman by the name of Edward Sutton of Gravesend. He claimed to be ill that particular evening and he avenged his loss with two more victories against Mr Sutton. James Figg's legacy lived on in the form of a grandson who later became Champion of England and in the call of Figg himself echoing through the streets of London "Here I am Jemmy Figg from Thame, I will fight any man in England".
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