Prizefighters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who engage in professional boxing matches for recognition and financial rewards
2. Competitors in a combat sport whose primary goal is to win bouts and gain accolades or titles
3. Fighters in the sport of boxing known for their skills and ability to attract public attention and prizes

Etymology: Prizefighter comes from "prize," in the sense of a contest or fight staged for a reward, and "fighter," one who fights. In the 17th and 18th centuries, "prize" in English could refer to a bout itself, so a prizefighter was originally someone who fought in such prize contests, often bare-knknuckled, for money staked by spectators or a purse put up by a patron. The sport was closely tied to London's boxing booths and to organised prize-fights. The plural form "prizefighters" simply names more than one such person. Its sense has narrowed over time: the word once covered any paid combatant in these contests, but it now mostly suggests a professional boxer, especially one known for winning bouts and championships.

Synonyms: boxers, fighters