pugilism

[pyoo-juh-liz-uh m] /ˈpyu dʒəˌlɪz əm/
noun
1.
the art or practice of fighting with the fists; boxing.
Origin
1785-95; < Latin pugil boxer (akin to pugnus fist, pugnāre to fight; compare Greek pýx with the fist, pygmḗ boxing) + -ism
British Dictionary definitions for pugilism

pugilism

/ˈpjuːdʒɪˌlɪzəm/
noun
1.
the art, practice, or profession of fighting with the fists; boxing
Derived Forms
pugilist, noun
pugilistic, adjective
pugilistically, adverb
Word Origin
C18: from Latin pugil a boxer; related to pugnus fist, pugna a fight
Word Origin and History for pugilism
n.

1789, from Latin pugil "boxer, fist-fighter," related to pugnus "fist" (see pugnacious) + -ism. Pugilation "fighting with fists," now obsolete, is recorded from 1650s.