Lonsdale is to boxing
what Lipton is to yachting
and Grace is to cricket
a name engraved on the sport
as firmly as an inscription
on a memorial.

Lonsdale History
More than a hundred years ago, the 5th Earl of Lonsdale organised the first official boxing match with gloves. The name of this famous Earl, who is seen as one of the godfathers of modern boxing, is Hugh Cecil Lowter. At the Earl's insistence, the silence rule was introduced. Applause was for the end of each round, thus preventing the betting element from having too much influence over the referee who officiated from outside the ring. Being the first president of the National Sporting Club in England (founded 1891) he introduced the Lonsdale Challenge Belt in 1909. Nowadays, the Lonsdale Belt still is one of the most prestigeous prices in boxing, for it is the undisputed British Championship Belt, won by legends such as Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis.
History from www.lonsdale-usa.com

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