Tom Molineaux

Tom Molineaux ('Molineaux') by and published by Robert Dighton

Tom Molineaux

Tom Molineaux (1784 – August 4, 1818) was an American bare-knuckle boxing pioneer. Born into slavery in Virginia, Molineaux gained his freedom and became a prominent figure in the early 19th-century boxing scene.

Early Life

Little is known about Molineaux's early life, but it is believed that he was born in Virginia around 1784. He was enslaved on a plantation before gaining his freedom.

Boxing Career

Molineaux began his boxing career in the United States before traveling to England to seek greater opportunities in the sport. In 1810, he fought against Tom Cribb for the English heavyweight title but was defeated in a highly publicized match.

Legacy

Despite his loss to Cribb, Molineaux's impact on the sport of boxing was significant. He was one of the first African American boxers to achieve international recognition and paved the way for future generations of fighters.

Death

Tom Molineaux passed away on August 4, 1818, in Galway, Ireland. He was buried in an unmarked grave, but his legacy lives on in the annals of boxing history.