Tom Molineaux was an African American boxer who rose from slavery to become one of the most celebrated boxer of his time. Known for his strength and skill, he gained his freedom through boxing and became famous for his legendary matches in England.
Molineaux was born into slavery on March 23, 1784, in Virginia, USA. According to some accounts, he spent his early years on a plantation owned by the Molineaux family, from whom he took his surname. At the time, plantation owners often organized matches between enslaved men as a form of entertainment. These brutal matches were staged in front of the master’s house or in open fields, where spectators would gather to watch. The fights were typically unregulated and fierce, meant to entertain the masters and their guests while showcasing the physical strength of the enslaved fighters.
The masters often placed bets on the outcome, wagering money, goods, or other valuables on which fighter would win. This not only added a gambling element to the matches but also reinforced the power dynamics of slavery, reducing the lives and fates of the slaves to mere sport for the amusement and profit of their masters. Molineaux reportedly gained recognition for his fighting skills, and one legendary story claims he won his freedom and a sum of money after a victorious fight that earned his master a significant amount.
After gaining his freedom, Molineaux moved to New York City in 1804, where he reportedly engaged in several fights and claimed the title of “Champion of America.” Seeking greater opportunities and recognition, he set his sights on England, the centre of bare-knuckle boxing at the time. In 1809, Molineaux arrived in London, where he hoped to make a name for himself in the boxing world.
In England, Molineaux found a mentor in Bill Richmond, another former slave and the first black man to gain international recognition as a boxer. Under Richmond’s guidance, Molineaux developed his skills and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing scene. His first major fight in England took place on July 24, 1810, at Tothill Fields in Westminster, where he defeated Jack Burrows of Bristol in 65 minutes. This victory marked the beginning of Molineaux’s rise in the British boxing scene.
Molineaux’s next fight was against Tom Blake, known as “Tom Tough,” on August 21, 1810. Molineaux emerged victorious after eight rounds, showcasing his growing mastery of the sport. His performances caught the attention of the British public, and he soon found himself facing the reigning champion, Tom Cribb, in a highly anticipated match.
Molineaux’s first fight against Tom Cribb took place on December 18, 1810, at Shenington Hollow in Oxfordshire. Many, including Cribb, expected a quick victory, with bets favoring Cribb to win within ten rounds. However, Molineaux proved to be a fierce and skilled fighter, exchanging relentless blows with his opponent.
The fight took a controversial turn in the 19th round when a scuffle broke out, leaving Molineaux with an injured hand. Chaos followed, and some accused Cribb of exceeding the 30-second recovery time. Despite the disputes, Molineaux fought on but was ultimately defeated in the 35th round. However, his performance earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Sports journalist Pierce Egan wrote eight years later, “it will also not be forgotten, if justice holds the scales, that his colour alone prevented him from becoming the hero of that fight.”
The rematch between Molineaux and Cribb took place on September 28, 1811, at Thistleton Gap in Rutland, drawing a crowd of 15,000 spectators. This time, Cribb, who had undergone rigorous training, knocked out Molineaux in the 11th round. Despite the loss, Molineaux’s reputation as a skilled and courageous fighter remained intact.
Following his fights with Cribb, Molineaux continued boxing, winning three of his next four matches. However, his career began to decline, and he struggled with personal challenges, including financial difficulties and health issues.
In search of opportunities, Molineaux toured Scotland and Ireland, taking part in exhibition bouts and wrestling matches in an attempt to make a living. Despite his efforts, his health continued to deteriorate, and his once-promising career faded. Poverty and illness overshadowed his later years, marking a tragic decline for the fighter who had once challenged the best in Europe.
Molineaux’s life came to a tragic end on August 4, 1818, when he died penniless in Galway, Ireland, at the age of 34. He was buried in an unmarked grave, and for many years, his contributions to the sport of boxing were largely forgotten.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Tom Molineaux’s life and legacy. In 2018, the Galway City Museum held an exhibition to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his death, and a plaque was erected at the site of his passing. The following year, Irish boxer Katie Taylor unveiled a headstone at Molineaux’s previously unmarked grave in St. James’ graveyard in Galway, ensuring that his memory would be preserved.
Sources:
https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/boxing-history-cribb-vs-molineaux
https://archive.org/details/famousfights1/page/211/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Molineaux
https://archive.org/details/fightsforchampio02hennuoft/page/18/mode/1up?q=america
