Houssa, J.

Houssa was an English fighter in the late 1790s and early 1800s and fought in the bare-knuckled era of "Broughton's Rules." Established in 1743 by Jack Broughton, considered the father of English boxing, the Rules stated that wrestling moves about the waist were allowed, but a fighter could not hit an opponent once he was down. In fact, knockdowns marked the division of rounds as the downed fighter had 30 seconds to return to the center of the ring or he would lose. If the fighter, with the help of his handlers, made it to the center, the fights resumed in what was considered a new round. In this way, fights were recorded according to the number of rounds and amount of time. "Broughton's Rules" were replaced in 1838 by the Pugilistic Society's "London Prize Ring Rules."

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
According to Fistiana, or, The oracle of the ring : results of prize battles from 1700 to December, 1867, Houssa (his first name is unknown and is only marked J) fought on September 3, 1799 against a pugilist named Tom Owen in Enfield (just outside of London). The bout was for 10 guineas and Houssa emerged victorious after 42 minutes (the number of rounds is unknown).

Origin:
England

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