What is boxing?

This article was prepared with the support of the editors of kampfkong.de

Boxing is an Olympic contact martial art, where punches are allowed with fists and only with special gloves. Boxing promotes versatile physical development of the athlete, as well as nurturing moral and willful qualities and strength of mind.

It is no accident that boxing is so widespread nowadays. The world's leading fighters receive huge multi-million bonuses for their fights.

History of the origin and development of boxing

The history of boxing goes back more than one thousand years. Various mentions of fist fights can be found in Egypt (depictions on frescoes) as well as in Minoan and Sumerian reliefs. According to some data, the first findings date back to 4,000 BC, others to 7,000 BC. It is generally accepted that boxing became a martial sport in 688 BC after it was included in the program of the Olympic Games.

The birthplace of modern boxing is England (beginning of the 17th century). The founder and the first boxing champion is considered to be James Figg. Interestingly, before taking up boxing, James was a famous swordsman. Later he opened a boxing academy and began to teach all comers the art of hand-to-hand combat.

In 1867, journalist John Grahan Chambers wrote the first set of boxing rules. They stipulated: the size of the ring, the weight of the gloves, the duration of rounds, etc. Later, the rules formed the basis for modern rules in boxing. In 1904, boxing was included in the Olympics program.

The rules of boxing

A boxing fight is divided into rounds. Each round lasts 3-5 minutes, depending on the level of the fight - professional or amateur. As a rule, between rounds, athletes are given 1 minute to rest and recuperate.

When does a boxing fight end?

1. one of the participants is knocked down and does not get up for 10 seconds;
2. after the 3rd knockdown;
3. the boxer was injured and is not able to defend himself - a technical knockout.

If the fighters defended rounds without a knockout, the winner is determined by the number of points. When the score is the same, the winner is the one who won on points the greater number of rounds. Occasionally, there are fights in a draw.

In addition, boxers are not allowed to strike any part of the body, except the fist. The fist is also prohibited below the belt, no pushing, holding the opponent, spitting, biting, etc.

List of prohibited techniques:

• punch below the belt;
• a blow (or dangerous movement) to the head;
• blow to the back of the head;
• a blow to the kidneys;
• blow to the back;
• blow with an open glove (rib or backside, especially the lacing);
• grasp (of the head, hand, glove, torso);
• a grasp with a punch; low slants;
• pressing with the hand on the opponent's face; turning with the back to the opponent;
• pushing the opponent;
• Using the ropes for a blow;
• grabbing the ropes.

The referee shall control the course of the whole fight. He can punish violations of the rules with a warning, the removal of points, or even disqualification.

Types of boxing

Boxing is a sport that is conventionally classified into 3 types:

1. amateur;
2. semi-professional;
3. professional.

Amateurs, as a rule, spend three rounds of three minutes each. One minute is a break between rounds. If we talk about professionals, they fight 8-12 rounds. We should note that until 1980 the fights lasted 15 rounds. But the death of boxer Duk Koo Kim was the reason for shortening the champion's distance.

Boxing Weight Class

• Strawweight (105lbs)
• Light flyweight (105-108lbs)
• Flyweight (108-112lbs)
• Super flyweight (112-115lbs)
• Bantamweight (115-118lbs)
• Super bantamweight (118-122lbs)
• Featherweight (122-126lbs)
• Super featherweight (126-130lbs)
• Lightweight (130-135lbs)
• Light welterweight 135-140lbs)
• Welterweight (140-147lbs)
• Light middleweight (147-154lbs)
• Middleweight (154-160lbs)
• Super middleweight (160-168lbs)
• Light heavyweight (168-175lbs)
• Cruiserweight (175-200lbs)
• Bridgerweight (200-224lbs)
• Heavyweight (200lbs or more)

Boxing equipment and inventory

Participants in a boxing match should be dressed and equipped as follows:

• Clothing. Light shoes without cleats and heels, socks, shorts not below the knee, and a T-shirt covering their chest and back.
• A mouth guard, a flexible plastic device to protect their teeth from sports injuries.
• Protective Shell. Used to protect the groin.
• Gloves. Red or blue gloves (according to the color of his corner in the ring), were made available to him by the organizers of the competition. According to the International Boxing Association's requirements, the gloves must weigh 284 grams, with no more than half the weight of the leather part.
• Bandages. Used to prevent injuries to the wrist, fist, and fingers.

Refereeing in boxing

Competitions and bouts are served by a refereeing brigade composed of the following:

• The chief referee of the competition monitors the execution of all competition rules and makes the final decision on all technical issues.
• Side referees evaluate the actions of boxers and decide on the outcome of the bout.
• Timing judge.
• Judge-informer.
• Physician.
• Supervisor.

FAQ

Who invented boxing?

Modern boxing was invented by the British.

Why do boxers hit a small punching bag?

It allows them to train their punching stamina, timing, speed, and accuracy.

Why do boxers bandage their hands?

Boxers bandage their hands to reduce the risk of hand injuries both when working with equipment and during sparring. Bandages also absorb sweat, leaving the gloves dry and extending their lifespan.

Conclusion

We have tried to cover the topic as fully as possible, so this information can safely be used in the preparation of messages, reports on physical education, and essays on the topic of "Boxing".