Green’s Dictionary of Slang

to fight, using the fists and in an honourable manner.

1824		Annals of Sporting 1 Feb. 120: No envious pugilists to crib them in a corner, or act as an extra painter to their mugs.
1909		J. Ware Passing Eng. of the Victorian Era 98/1: Crib (Street, 1800–40). To conquer with the fists fairly. From Tom Crib, a celebrated pugilist early in the 19th century. To crib, meaning to thrash, is still heard in the slums of London and other great cities.