Boxing is popular mixed martial arts (MMA) sport in which two individuals, usually with protective clothing and various protective gears like mouthguards and handwraps, throw punches at one another for a pre-determined amount of time in an enclosed boxing ring. The purpose of this game is to knockout the opponent or “wipe out” them to the point that they are unable to continue in the match. There are various rules governing the bout; these vary from country to country, but in general the bout is fairly evenly contested with an equal number of punches being thrown. Boxing has gained popularity worldwide, especially in the United States, and many people choose to join amateur or professional boxing matches. To become a professional boxer you must sign a contract with a recognized boxing agency.
Amateur boxing is very similar to regular boxing, but the rules and mechanics are slightly different. Usually three five-minute rounds are used in amateur bouts. A round will last for two minutes for light bouts, three minutes for medium bouts, and 4 minutes for heavy bouts. For fights lasting longer than eight minutes, a minute rest is allowed between rounds. There are no restrictions on how many rounds there are per fight.
Amateur boxing bouts use a ten point system of scoring. For the first round, the fighters wear protective headgear called a head gear. The goal is to knock your opponent out with as few hits as possible. The rounds are scored from one to ten, with the winner being the fighter with the most punches landed. In the later rounds, when punches are thrown at a higher rate, the punches are scored on a points system called the takedown. This system is designed to eliminate fighters from competing too quickly, and to keep fighters from being overly aggressive.
To compete in amateur boxing, you don’t need any protective gear other than a pair of boxing gloves. Although, many fighters favor wearing protective gear while practicing, they prefer not to wear them during actual matches. Amateur fighters do not use proper padding or protective pads. As a result, they often suffer an early victory due to a damaged shin bone or nose. Many amateur fighters prefer not to wear mouthpieces during fights.
There are various other aspects of boxing that determine its outcome. When two boxers are fighting, one boxer uses a defense strategy called defensive boxing. Boxers also alternate methods during a match. One boxer will use jabs, punches, and physical tactics to distract the opponent. Other boxers will try to hit their opponent with a large portion of their boxing strength.
Professional boxers wear boxing gloves that weigh between twenty-five to thirty ounces. Boxing gloves are made from a hard rubber compound and are constructed to withstand the constant impact of multiple boxing punches. The fingers of the boxing gloves are made from elasticated fabric, so that they can bend and lock into position with the slightest touch. In addition, most gloves have heavy stitching at strategic points to prevent the fingers from being damaged during a bout. A typical boxing glove is usually covered in either black brown, or “naked” colored leather. Some boxing gloves are also embossed with the logo of the fighter and the name of his or her opponent.