Boxing is a sport where two opponents fight using the fists. Each boxer is trained to improve boxing skills, strength, knowledge and techniques. To win, a boxer has to be intelligent enough to use boxing skills and techniques effectively against his opponent. His performance on the ring will also determine victory or defeat, through points and knockouts.
During the competition, the boxers wear the gloves and rubber mouthpiece. Gloves are made with soft leather and are padded with sponge rubber. Under the leather gloves, the hands are wrapped with linen or cotton for an extra protection. For those who compete under amateur boxing, they are asked to wear head gears.
Boxing rings, where the competition takes place, are made with accurate measurements and standard features. In general, every corner, including the floor of the ring, is padded. The ring is a 4.9 meters (16 feet) to 6.1 meters (20 feet), surrounded by 0.6 meters (2 feet), 0.9 meters (3 feet) and 1.2 meters (4 feet) muslin-wrapped ropes, held secured by corner posts.
Amateur boxing competitions last for three rounds, while professional boxing lasts up to 12 rounds. Each round is three minutes long, with 1 minute break in between. During the break, each boxer goes to their opposite posts. A bell signifies the start of every round. During the match, a referee sees to it that the rules are properly followed.
Boxing in the Past
Archeologists have found evidence showing that boxing has existed during the ancient civilization. It is found out that boxing matches happened in ancient Mesopotamia. For the Greeks and Romans, ancient athletes wore cestus, which are similar to modern boxing gloves. The term pugilism (boxing) originates from pugil, the name for a Roman boxer.
Boxing, or fist fighting, became more popular in the year 1600. The term “boxing” was introduced in England, a competition where men fight using bare fists. Certain names became popular such as James Figg (1719) and Jack Broughton (1743 – 1750). During the boxing revival in England, the competition lasted for about 50 rounds. Boxers wrestle and struck each other until one is knocked down.
The basic rules for boxing used today were introduced by the Marquis of Queensberry in 1865. Boxers are required to wear gloves, and fight for 3 minutes per rounds, with one-minute rest time in between. The 10 seconds count rule for knockouts was also set. These rules were adopted by the United States.
Boxing in the Modern Era
Boxing in the modern era became an official support. Those who excelled in the competition and have gained titles became much prominent in the field. Under the rules set by the Marquis of Queensberry, John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett fought for the first heavyweight title. Two other popular names in the early modern boxing era were James J. Jeffries and Jack Johnson.
The golden age of boxing began in 1919 when boxing star William Harrison Dempsey defeated Jess Willard. Dempsey was then defeated by James J. Tunney by the famous long count of 9, saving himself from impending knockout.
Rocky Marciano, the undefeated boxer retired in the year 1956. Years after, Muhammad Ali took the boxing crown, as the first to win the heavyweight title for three times, after defeating Leon Spinks. The WBC crown was taken by Mike Tyson in 1995. Other distinguished names from the other boxing weight classes were Joe Gans and Benny Leonard for the lightweight title, Sugar Ray Robinson for the middle-weight title, and Sandy Sandler as well as Willie Pep for the featherweight title.
