Tent boxing
| Industry | Entertainment, Boxing |
|---|---|
| Founded | Late 1800s |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Roy Bell, Jimmy Sharman, Fred Brophy |
Tent boxing emerged as a favored form of amusement at agricultural exhibitions throughout Australia.
History
Beginning in the late 1800s, professional boxing ensembles toured mining communities and rural fairs, erecting large tents to host bouts where local contenders could compete for prize money. Prominent groups in this arena were established by Roy Bell and Jimmy Sharman.
Fred Brophy is recognized as one of the final remaining tent boxing promoters, who continues to travel across Queensland annually with his team. In recognition of his enduring dedication to entertainment and charitable fundraising via tent boxing, Brophy was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2011.
A dangerous sport
Documentation of early tent boxing is scarce due to low literacy rates among those involved and limited media coverage controlled by event organizers. Although authorities have prohibited the practice in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia since 1971 citing health risks, Brophy remains committed to preserving the custom until his passing.
References
- Lewis, Daniel. (2003-04-15). Sharman the showman is an official bloody legend. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2013-05-28.
- Story of tent boxer Bruce Baxter
Further reading
- McLennan, Wayne. (2007). Tent Boxing: An Australian Journey. Granta. .
- Chevallier, Laurent. (Director). (1996). Outback Fighters. Gédéon. Australia.