Daniel Mendoza

Daniel Mendoza (1764–1836) was an English bare-knuckle boxer and boxing theorist from London. He rose from the city’s Jewish community to become one of the most significant figures in the sport during his era. Mendoza was recognized as the champion of England in the early 1790s, and historical sources identify him as the first Jewish boxer to achieve this title. His career and Jewish background are documented in resources including the Jewish Encyclopedia and reports from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Beyond his championship status, Mendoza was also regarded as a major technical innovator in boxing, and his contributions influenced the sport’s development. He was born and died in London, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of boxing.