Quezi

Boxers - courtesy Matti Mattila - CC-BY

Melankomas was winner of the Boxing event in the 207th Olympiad in 49 AD. He was known to be the bravest of all the competitors and had a very unique boxing style.  Melankomas was undefeated throughout his career yet he never once hit an opponent or was hit by one. His boxing style was to defend himself from the blows of the other boxer and avoid hitting the other man. He would dance around the arena avoiding punches and invariably, the opponent would grow frustrated, get tired, and lose the match.

No doubt his success was due in large part to his training. One story relates that the boxer went for two straight days with his arms up, not once putting them down or resting. During his career, which had many victories, he never injured his opponent, believing that to injure was lack of bravery. Melankomas died at an early age.

For more information about Olympic Games history