John Sholto Douglas 8th marquess of Queensberry

John Sholto Douglas Queensberry, 8th marquess of 1844-1900, British nobleman, originator of the code of rules that governs modern boxing . He served in the British army and navy and later was a member of (1872-80) the House of Lords as representative peer from Scotland. He is famous for drafting (1865), with the aid of John G. Chambers, the Queensberry rules for the sport of boxing. This code of rules, superseding the London prize-ring rules that had been introduced (1743) by Jack Broughton, contained the basic provisions that govern boxing today. The rules were gradually adopted in both Britain and the United States and by 1889 they were standardized. In 1895, objecting to the liaison between his son, Lord Alfred Douglas, and Oscar Wilde , Queensberry left an insulting letter to Wilde in a public place and was sued for libel by the writer. In this libel suit, which Wilde dropped, information was brought to light that led to the conviction of Wilde for immoral conduct.

Queensberry, John Sholto Douglas, Marquess of (1844–1900) English noble who sponsored the Queensberry rules – the basis of the rules for modern boxing. Drafted mainly by John G. Chambers of the British Amateur Athletic Club, the Queensberry rules became standard in 1889. In 1895, Queensberry publicly insulted Oscar Wilde because of the latter's association with his son, Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde unsuccessfully sued Queensberry for libel and was imprisoned for homosexual practices.