While the name might suggest a day of prizefighting, the “Boxing Day” sporting tradition has everything to do with history and nothing to do with gloves.
Across the UK and Commonwealth nations, December 26 is one of the most anticipated dates on the athletic calendar, featuring a packed schedule of Premier League football, the iconic Melbourne Test in cricket, and high-stakes horse racing.
The origins of the term “Boxing day”
The term “Boxing Day” dates back to Victorian England. Historically, it was the day when servants and tradespeople—who had worked on Christmas Day to serve the wealthy—were given the day off. They would receive “Christmas boxes” from their employers containing gifts, bonuses, and leftover food to take home to their families.
A secondary theory points to “alms boxes” placed in churches. During the season of Advent, parishioners would drop donations into these boxes, which were then opened and distributed to the poor on December 26, the Feast of St. Stephen.
From charity to kick-offs
The transition from a day of charity to a day of sport began in the late 19th century. As the industrial revolution standardised the work week, Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in the UK in 1871. With a guaranteed day off, the working class flocked to outdoor activities.
Local football derbies became a staple of the holiday because they required minimal travel for fans and players during a time when transport was limited. The tradition was so strong that until the 1950s, teams often played back-to-back fixtures on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
A global tradition
Today, the “Boxing Day” label has become a premier brand in the sporting world:
Football: The first-ever inter-club football match took place on December 26, 1860, between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC. By 1888, the Football League had cemented the date as a cornerstone of the season.
Cricket: In the Southern Hemisphere, the “Boxing Day Test” at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has become a global phenomenon since it was permanently established in 1950.
Horse Racing: The King George VI Chase at Kempton Park remains one of the most prestigious events in the racing world, drawing massive crowds annually.
Today, while the physical “boxes” of the Victorian era have faded, the name survives through these high-energy fixtures. For millions of fans, the day has evolved from a gesture of service into a celebration of community.
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