Pugilist

noun/ˈpju(ː).d͡ʒəlɪst/character

Definition

A person who fights with the fists.

Etymology

From Latin pugil (“boxer”) +‎ -ist, related to pugnus (“fist”), from Proto-Indo-European *pewǵ- (“prick, punch”). Compare contemporary pugilism (“boxing”) (1791).

Synonyms

pug (clipping, informal)

In a sentence

He approached every negotiation like a pugilist entering the ring.