World Champion Bare-Knuckle Boxer. Tom Cribb moved to London at age 13, where he worked as a bell-hanger and a coal porter. His first fight was in January 1805, which he won; he followed that a month later with another victory. He decided to become a professional boxer and was almost undefeated in his career, losing only one bout, to a George Nicholls. He won victories in 1807 and in October 1808 in a 23 round match to win the English championship. In December 1810 he fought an American, who he beat in 35 rounds and became World champion. He retained his title in 1811 by beating the same opponent in 11 rounds. In 1812, aged 31, he retired to become a coal merchant and boxing trainer. He became a publican, running the Union Arms. In 1839 he retired to Woolwich in south-east London where he lived the rest of his life.
World Champion Bare-Knuckle Boxer. Tom Cribb moved to London at age 13, where he worked as a bell-hanger and a coal porter. His first fight was in January 1805, which he won; he followed that a month later with another victory. He decided to become a professional boxer and was almost undefeated in his career, losing only one bout, to a George Nicholls. He won victories in 1807 and in October 1808 in a 23 round match to win the English championship. In December 1810 he fought an American, who he beat in 35 rounds and became World champion. He retained his title in 1811 by beating the same opponent in 11 rounds. In 1812, aged 31, he retired to become a coal merchant and boxing trainer. He became a publican, running the Union Arms. In 1839 he retired to Woolwich in south-east London where he lived the rest of his life.
Bio by: Pete Mohney
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