pugilist

A pugilist is a boxer, especially a professional one. In modern English the term is somewhat formal or literary and is often used in historical contexts or in discussions of boxing’s past.

Etymology: Pugilist comes from Latin pugilis, meaning "boxer" or "fencer," from pugnare "to fight." The related word pugilism denotes the art or practice of boxing. The term conveys a sense of the sport as a profession or craft rather than simply a participant.

Historical usage: Pugilist was widely used in 18th and 19th‑century English to describe prizefighters. It remains in use in literature and in some formal or encyclopedic writing, but modern journalism typically prefers "boxer" or "fighter."

Notable pugilists: Prominent boxers described as pugilists include John L. Sullivan (late 19th century) and James J. Corbett, pioneers of the modern heavyweight era; Muhammad Ali is another widely recognized boxer who could be described as a pugilist. The term can apply to athletes across weight classes and eras.