Boxing Kids

1920

In this evocative photograph, a group of barefoot boys gathers in a narrow alleyway, turning cobblestones into a makeshift boxing ring. Wearing oversized gloves and determined expressions, two children square off while a crowd of curious and amused youngsters forms a circle — a spontaneous spectacle in the heart of working-class London.

This moment captures more than just a playful scuffle; it speaks to the resilience, imagination, and tight-knit community spirit that defined life in the city’s poorest districts during the early 20th century. Amid post-war hardship, children turned to the streets for games, camaraderie, and sometimes, a little bit of sport.

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Contributed by OldPik on January 6, 2025

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Boxing Kids
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