This type of boxing basically remained constant before modern boxing came into scene. So for many decades, there were no rules, no referees, no guidelines and no proper trainings that boxers received. In fact, there were no considerations for the weight classes of the fighters. So heavy weights can fight with flyweight and bantam weight can fight with super heavy weight and so on. During these times, bouts were organized by way of sending letter of invitations between contenders.
The working class was first to patronize the sport until it caught the attention of the titled class and the royalty. Wealthy enthusiasts then worked to somewhat organize the fights by sponsoring them. It was during this time that rings permanently became a square platform instead of the ring of people who surround the boxers. It was also at this time when the first formal rules were set by Jack Broughton, who himself was a former boxing champion.
Until 1838, the rudimentary rules as outlined by Broughton's Rules were followed until a more detailed and more organized rule of the London Prize Ring Rules was put forth. This was followed immediately by the appearance of Daniel Mendoza who introduced a more scientific approach to boxing.
He was an English champion for four years and he helped recreate boxing fights, minus the usual anything-goes crudeness. And so, it was partially thanks to him that boxing eventually outgrew its marathon-like set-up, its crudity, and its characteristics that lent championship to boxers who were not actually skilled in boxing but were only cunning enough to defeat their opponents.
From this period, succession of developments occurred which led to the current system of boxing we have nowadays.
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