What is Boxing?
- November 23, 2021
- TFG Team
- Boxing
One of the oldest and simplest sports is boxing. Using their fists, two men fight each other. The last man standing will be declared the winner. Aside from being a cool hobby, boxing can also be a great way to earn a large sum of money.
Table of Contents
Boxing Definition
As mentioned earlier, boxing is a sport that involves fists. In the past years, first boxers called this sport “pugilism,” which translates to “fistfight.”
Boxing fights are done in a “ring” with time limits for each round. Some factors are taken into consideration by the judges to determine the winner.
Boxers can get championship belts by either knocking down their opponents or earning the highest points. A referee will ensure that the two players do not omit the boxing rules.
How Does Boxing Work
Many who do not know boxing yet think it is similar to a street or brawl fight, which is not. This is because a professional boxing match follows a set of rules to determine the winner.
Beyond that, boxers were thoroughly trained before entering the ring. Through this, they can reduce the chances of serious boxing injuries.
Although professional and amateur boxing are both types of boxing, the rules between the two are different. Before a boxing match, the boxers and their coaches will have a meeting to explain the boxing rules thoroughly.
The ring where boxers will fight is a square and elevated platform with a canvas surface. The ring is enclosed by flexible ropes. The ring dimension will vary depending on the organization running the fight.
When it comes to smaller venues, the ring could be roughly 16 ft. x 16 ft. On the other hand, professional organizations running the match would allow a ring measuring up to 25 ft.
What is the Purpose of Boxing
The primary purpose of boxers is to pose injuries enough for their opponent to discontinue the fight. Fighters need to undergo lots of training. Beyond that, they also need to remain fit for the organization to allow them to enter the ring.
Considering that boxing is all about fighting with fists and causing injuries or knocking down a fellow boxer, this combat sport could cause short-term or even long-term brain damage. What’s worse is that it could also cause boxers’ death.
Before the players fight, they must be well prepared by training with sparring partners and punching bags. A punching bag could be large, tear-drop-shaped, or small filled with a synthetic substance or sand. Medicine balls, rope jumping, rowing machines, and free weights are other pieces of equipment that help boxers be more prepared for their match.
What is Boxing Mainly About?
Boxing is mainly about the two players fighting using their fists. Boxing matches take place on a high platform with a canvas surface. Boxers could do boxing either as professional or amateur players.
Boxing is not only restricted to men. In fact, women can also be inside the ring to fight with their opponents. When it comes to professional boxing, players will receive a large sum of money as an award.
Why Boxing is Called Boxing?
As we mentioned earlier, boxing is a term derived from an ancient Latin word, “pugilism.” The term is associated with another Latin word, “pugnus” which can be translated into English as “fist”. The term “fist” comes from the Greek word “pyx” which translates to “with a clenched fist.”
The first match of boxing happened in ancient Egypt in 1350 BCE. The first event that involved boxing was the 23rd Olympiad. In the 17th century in England, boxing was declared a monetized sport.
Although boxing involves fighting two individuals, boxers show great sportsmanship and huge respect for their opponents. So, even though this combat sport involves an act of violence, players are well-prepared and know how to defend themselves.
What are the 4 Types of Boxing?
The four types of boxing are:
1. Boxer-Puncher
2. Slugger
3. Out-Boxer
4. Swarmer
In most cases, many players are not qualified in either of these categories for some reason. One of these is that players tend to change their boxing style as time goes on.
What Body Type is Best for Boxing
There is no exact body type that boxing organizations require for anyone who wants to be a boxer. After all, a boxer’s body type does not always mean best enough to win the fight.
But if we will trace the history of this sport, different individuals with unique body types have played boxing. These include athletic boxers with great power speed, short boxers with powerful physiques, and tall boxers with long arms.
What are the 8 Boxing Punches
Boxing has 8 types of punches. Each of them is listed below:
1. Right Body Hook
Coaches who are instructing their trainees to execute the right body hook will usually say, “take it to the body.” Properly executed right body hooks could bring so much pain to your opponent.
2. Left Body Hook
The primary aim of this punch is to target the floating rubs of the body.
3. Right Uppercut
Just a few right uppercuts to your opponent is enough to get their hands to drop.
4. Left Uppercut
This type of punch is also called lead uppercut. The main aim of this punch is under the chin or the stomach area of the opponent’s body.
5. Right Hook
This could be one of the most powerful types of punches you can give to your opponent.
6. Left Hook
Another term for this punch is the lead hook. How you will execute this type of punch will depend on your goals.
7. Cross, Right-Cross
Mostly, this is the first type of punch usually taught by trainers to new boxers.
8. Jab
This type of punch is often executed using the left hand. Jab can be thrown at any part of the opponent’s body.
Who Created Boxing?
The Father of Boxing was Jack Brownton, who opened the first training gym to teach young followers with potential in boxing.
He is also the inventor of the first pair of boxing gloves, which are the “mufflers,” with the goal of protecting the faces and hands of the boxers.
What is not Allowed in Boxing
There are lots of factors that could affect the rules of boxing. A violation of any of the rules listed below will be recognized by the referee as a foul. This could lead to disqualification, point deduction, or a warning.
- Kicking
- Striking with slap, forearms, or elbows
- Head butt
- Ear biting
- Grabbing the robes
- Striking below the belt
- Holding, grappling, or wrestling the opponent excessively
Should I Learn Boxing?
The answer to that question will depend on your preference. There are lots of reasons many are now learning how to box.
Aside from earning money, it could also be a form of physical and mental practice. This sport is usually compared to chess as boxers can set up techniques to outfight the other players.
Practicing these boxing strategies requires a lot of time. But all your effort and hard work will be paid off when your skills start to dominate opponents. So, if you have the time and patience to learn boxing, you should do it now.