ng began to gain momentum in popularity. It was in 1719 that James Figg's was recognized as the first heavyweight champion but it was not until 1743 that Jack Broughton generated the rules that would govern boxing. He created a set of rules that would standardize some practices in boxing and eliminate some others like punching below the belt, hitting opponents while they are down, and grabbing at their hair. Classified as the "London Prize Rules", Broughton's rules governed bare-knuckle boxing until 1838 and is known as the foundation of the "noble art of self defence." It was the 19th century that boxing become revolutionized. In 1857 a new set of rules called the Queensberry rules were drafted by a boxer named John Graham Chambers under the support of John Sholto Douglas. The new rules introduced a regulation for padded gloves prohibiting bare fisted fighting. The rules also prohibited wrestling, hugging, hitting opponents when they are helpless, and fighting to the finish. Three minute rounds were introduced with a 30 second allowance for a downed man to regain his composure. A new system of scoring and different weight divisions as well as a standardized ring measuring 24 ft on a side were also introduced. The rules quickly refaced the popular image boxing had of being a savage ruthless sport. With the new face of boxing it was ready to be recognized and in 1888 United States did just that by officially recognizing the sport of boxing. It was the first year that the U.S. National Championships was held and resulted in being the longest running national championship of all amateur sports. In 1889 American John L. Sullivan won the last bare-knuckle heavyweight championship fight held. He Quickly lost the heavyweight championship on September 7, 1892 in a match under the Queensberry rules to James J. Corbett in New Orleans. Boxing continued to grow in popularity and in 1904 in St. Loui
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