In most places—New York State, most notably—boxing was banned altogether or so ringed around with restrictions as to make it ridiculous. Prizefights, where they were allowed at all, had to be advertised as “sparring exhibitions” or “illustrated lectures on pugilism,” with the participants sometimes described as “professors.” Because the matches were only exhibitions, it was forbidden for one participant to knock out another or for a panel of judges to declare one man the winner. In consequence, prizefighting remained a marginal sport and fights were held in (no disrespect to Toledo intended)
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Fun Fact Boxing
