I enjoy writing these articles for my readers, you guys. I don't accept payment for writing reviews, my opinion on products is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something through one of the links I may be able to receive a commission on that. More information
Boxing is a WONDERFUL sport, but where exactly did it come from? And is it just a little spanking or is there more to it (hint: there's a lot more to it)?
Boxing is a tactical one martial arts where you execute different punches from different ranges with precision, while at the same time you have to effectively block or dodge an attack. Unlike many other combat disciplines, it also emphasizes body conditioning through sparring, preparing the body for combat.
In this article I will tell you everything about boxing so that you know the exact background.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
The martial art of boxing
Boxing, also known as pugilistics, is a tactical combat sport that involves ring awareness, coordination of feet, eyes and hands, and fitness. Two opponents try to score points by hitting each other on the correct targets or by winning a knockout (KO). For this you need both power and sheer speed to hit your opponent hard and fast. In addition to traditional men's boxing, there are also women's boxing championships.
Rules of boxing
Boxing has a number of rules that you must follow. Only blows or punches with the closed fist above the belt are allowed. It is also forbidden to bend below the belt of the opponent, to wrestle, to swing, to hang from the ring ropes, to lift a leg, to kick or kick, to give headbutts, to bite, to give knees, on the back of hitting the head and attacking the opponent when they are 'down'.
Race course
A boxing match takes place over several rounds of several minutes. The amount of laps and minutes depends on the type of competition (amateur, professional and/or championship). Each match is led by a referee and a jury awards points. Whoever knocks out (KO) the opponent or collects the most points is the winner.
Categories
Amateur boxers are divided into eleven weight divisions:
- Light flyweight: up to 48 kg
- Flyweight: up to 51 kg
- Bantam weight: up to 54 kg
- Featherweight: up to 57 kg
- Lightweight: up to 60 kg
- Light welterweight: up to 64 kg
- Welterweight: up to 69 kg
- Middleweight: up to 75 kg
- Semi-heavyweight: up to 81 kg
- Heavyweight: up to 91 kg
- Super Heavyweight: 91+ kg
Women's boxers are divided into fourteen weight divisions:
- Up to 46 kg
- Up to 48 kg
- Up to 50 kg
- Up to 52 kg
- Up to 54 kg
- Up to 57 kg
- Up to 60 kg
- Up to 63 kg
- Up to 66 kg
- Up to 70 kg
- Up to 75 kg
- Up to 80 kg
- Up to 86 kg
Senior boxers are divided into four classes: N class, C class, B class and A class. Each class has its own champion in each weight category.
Professional boxers are divided into the following weight divisions: flyweight, superflyweight, bantamweight, superbantamweight, featherweight, superfeatherweight, lightweight, superlightweight, welterweight, superwelterweight, middleweight, supermiddleweight, half heavyweight, super halfheavyweight, heavyweight, superheavyweight, cruiseweight, and heavycruiseweight.
How Boxing Ever Began
The origin
The story of boxing begins in the land of Sumer, approximately in the 3rd millennium before the birth of Christ. Back then it was still a way of venting, usually man to man. But when the ancient Greeks conquered the country, they thought it was a fun game. The boss in that area organized tournaments to keep the soldiers fit.
Popularity Grows
Boxing became more and more popular when other countries such as Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Assyria also discovered it. But the sport only really started to become famous when the Romans also discovered it. Greek slaves had to fight against each other and whoever won was no longer a slave. So the Roman armies adopted the style of the Greeks.
The Ring and the Gloves
The Romans invented the ring to create a nice, cozy atmosphere. They also invented the boxing gloves, because the Greek slaves got trouble with their hands. The gloves were made of hard leather. If you were very lucky, the emperor could also free you, for example because of your sporting behavior towards your opponent.
Basically, boxing is an ancient sport that has been around for centuries. It started as a way of venting, but has grown into a popular sport that is practiced by millions of people. The Romans contributed a bit by inventing the ring and boxing gloves.
The history of modern boxing
The origins of modern boxing
When the Romans got tired of gladiator fighting, they had to come up with something else to entertain the audience. An old Russian invented the rules for what we now know as Russian boxing. When sword and Gladiator fighting went out of fashion, hand fighting came back into vogue. It became very popular in England around the turn of the 16th century.
The rules of modern boxing
Jack Broughton invented the rules of modern boxing. He thought it was sad when someone died in the ring, so he came up with the rule that if someone was on the floor after thirty seconds and didn't get up, the match had to be over. This is what you call a Knock-Out. He also thought that there should be a referee and that there should be different classes. If the competition was not over after 12 rounds, a jury was added.
The development of modern boxing
In the beginning everything was allowed in the ring, just like in Thai boxing or Kickboxing. But Jack Broughton came up with rules to make it safer. Although many people laughed at him, his rules became the standard for modern boxing. Championships were organized and the first champion was James Figg. The first photographed contest took place on January 6, 1681 between two governors.
The different types of boxing
Amateur boxing
Amateur boxing is a common sport where you fight with gloves and a head guard. The matches consist of two to four rounds, which is a lot less than with professional boxers. The Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) organizes the amateur championships, in which both men and women participate. If you hit below the belt you will be disqualified.
Professional boxing
Professional boxing is a lot more intensive than amateur boxing. The matches consist of 12 rounds, unless a knockout is achieved. In some countries, such as Australia, only 3 or 4 rounds are played. Back in the early 20th century, there was no maximum rounds, it was just “Fight till you die”.
Boxers are required to wear boxing gloves as well as other regulation-compliant clothing. A boxing helmet is mandatory for amateur boxers. In Olympic boxing competitions, it is mandatory to wear a head protector and gloves approved by the AIBA. Boxers are also required to wear a mouthguard to protect the jaws and teeth. Bandages are also recommended for strengthening the wrists and protecting important bones in the hand.
Special bag gloves are used for combat, which are slightly larger and stronger than those used in training. Competition gloves usually weigh 10 oz (0,284 kg). Special boxing shoes are also mandatory for competitive boxers to protect the ankles.
The rules of boxing: do's and don'ts
Which you can do
When boxing, you may only strike or punch with your closed fist above the belt.
What not to do
The following are prohibited in boxing:
- Bend below the belt of the opponent
- To hold
- Wrestling
- Swing
- Hold on to the ring ropes
- Lift leg
- Kick or kick
- Headbutt
- To bite
- Giving a knee
- Hit the back of the head
- Attacking an opponent who is down.
Boxing is a serious sport, so make sure you follow these rules when you enter the ring!
What is allowed in the ring?
When you think of boxing, you probably think of a bunch of people beating each other with their fists. But there are a few rules to follow when you enter the ring.
Which you can do
- Strikes or punches with your closed fist above the belt are allowed.
- You may challenge your opponent with a few dance moves.
- You may wink at your opponent to ease the tension.
What not to do
- Biting, kicking, kicking, giving knees, headbutting or lifting legs.
- Holding on to the ring ropes or holding your opponent.
- Wrestling, swinging or attacking when your opponent is down.
How a boxing match is played
Boxing is a sport that involves much more than just punching. There are a number of rules and procedures that you must follow in order for a boxing match to proceed. Below we explain how a boxing match goes.
Rounds and minutes
How many rounds and minutes there are depends on the type of match. In amateur boxing there are usually 3 rounds of 2 minutes, while in professional boxing there are 12 rounds fought.
Referee
Each boxing match is led by a referee who stands in the ring with the participants. The referee is the one who monitors the match and enforces the rules.
Jury
There is also a jury that awards points to the boxers. The boxer who collects the most points or knocks out (KO) the opponent is the winner.
Box pointer
In amateur boxing matches, the “box-pointer” is used. This is a computer system that counts the points when the judges hit their box for a particular boxer (red or blue corner). If several judges press at the same time, a point is awarded.
Overclassed
If the point difference for the last round is greater than 20 for men or greater than 15 for women, the match will be stopped and the fighter who is behind is “overclassed”.
What do you need for boxing?
If you want to be a boxer, you need some special gear. Here is a list of the essential items you need to show off your boxing skills:
Boxing gloves
Boxing gloves are a must if you want to box. They protect your hands and wrists from damage. Amateur boxers must wear a boxing helmet, while boxers competing in Olympic boxing must wear an AIBA-approved glove and head guard.
mouthguard
A bit is mandatory when boxing. It protects your jaws and teeth from damage.
Bandage
The use of bandage is recommended when boxing. It helps strengthen your wrists and protects important bones in your hands.
Bag gloves
For practicing on a bag you have need special bag gloves (best rated here). They are usually bigger and stronger than the gloves you use during competitions.
Punch gloves
Punching gloves are mostly used for fighting. They are bigger and stronger than the gloves you use during competitions. Usually, punching gloves with laces are used so that they stay in place better.
Boxing shoes
Boxing shoes are mandatory for competitive boxers. They protect your ankles from damage.
If you have these items, you're ready to box! Don't forget that you can also find information about weight classes on the Wikipedia page.
Brain injury in boxing
While boxing is a great way to keep you fit, it is also a sport where you can get injured. Frequent blows can cause permanent damage to your brain. Concussions and brain contusions are the most common injuries. Concussions don't cause permanent damage, but brain contusions can. Professional boxers are most at risk of permanent injury from frequent blows.
The American Medical Association and the British Medical Association have both called for boxing to be banned due to the risks of brain injury. The American Academy of Neurology has also shown that amateur boxers are at risk of brain damage.
Differences
Boxing Vs Kickboxing
Boxing and kickboxing are two martial arts that have many similarities. They use the same techniques and materials, but the main difference is in the rules for using body parts. In boxing you are only allowed to use your hands, while in kickboxing your feet and shins are also allowed. In kickboxing you are mainly concerned with the technique for the legs, such as low kicks, mid kicks and high kicks. You can clinch in boxing, but not in kickboxing. You are also not allowed to punch below the belt in boxing and you are not allowed to hit someone in the back of the head. So if you want to practice a martial art, you have the choice between boxing or kickboxing. But if you really want to blast, then kickboxing is the way to go.
Conclusion
Boxing is therefore not JUST a sport, but a tactical combat sport in which ring insight, the coordination of feet, eyes and hands, and condition are central.
If you're thinking about starting it or just want to watch, now you've definitely gained more respect for the two athletes in the ring.
Also read: these are the best boxing poles to improve your technique
