Crossword Genius

Boxers first on table among dogs with a wrinkled face (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pugilists

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'dogs with a wrinkled face' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'boxers first on table among' is the wordplay.
'boxers' becomes 'pugs' (I've seen this in another clue).
'first' becomes 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I).
'on table' becomes 'list' (I am not sure about the 'on' bit.).
'among' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are placed among others).
'i'+'list'='ilist'
'pugs' placed around 'ilist' is 'PUGILISTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for pugilists that I've seen is " More than one boxer".)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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