Boxing is a popular sports activity where two individuals, typically wearing protective clothing and protective gear including mouthguards and handwraps, attempt to throw punches at each other in a standard boxing ring for a pre-determined amount of time. In the US, boxing has become one of the most popular athletic activities for both professional and recreational use. The term “boxing” refers to a number of different styles of boxing. Professional boxers engaged in bouts with one another to determine the winner; amateur boxers participate in non-professional fights or sparring to develop strength and conditioning; and amateur fighters also train in MMA, an aggressive mixed martial arts style. There are several different rules governing the conduct of boxing matches.
The history of boxing can be traced back to Greece, when athletes would use their own bodyweight as a technique in boxing. Ancient boxing matches often included wrestling and grappling techniques to dominate the opponent. Later, the use of padded gloves came into style and changed the nature of the sport. Padded hands allowed boxers to throw punches more effectively and more safely than bare hands. The pugilism style of boxing has its roots in ancient Greece, though the idea took shape hundreds of years later in Europe when gladiator matches between rival teams made the sport even more popular. A typical European boxing match would last up to twenty minutes long and involve multiple competitors.
In modern day boxing, the matches continue to evolve with new rules and boxing techniques being introduced. One of the most popular fighters in mixed martial arts competitions is American heavyweight champion and former WWE star, “The Colossus.” Known for his devastating strikes and footwork, “The Colossus” has won the last six world heavyweight championship tournaments. Joanna Stayton, a.k.a. “The Queen”, is another accomplished competitor in the women’s boxing category and has defeated opponents ranging from bikini-clad Japanese star Ayaka Hamasaki to WWE Diva developmental star, Aksana, at times while representing Australia.
Weight classes have had their fair share of changes throughout time. In the early days of boxing there were several different weight groups with different regulations. Heavyweight fighters would wear protective gear to protect their body from injury during training sessions, but would be allowed to weigh under the maximum allowed pounds for the weight class. In recent years the United States Anti-FAIRL has brought major changes to the regulation of boxing, making it easier for fighters to enter and keep up in the different weight groups.
As far as history is concerned, boxing is one of the oldest sports known to man. There are records of boxing from the twelfth century and the sport has gained popularity among many cultures over the years. In China, boxers would use a weighted whip to try and throw an opponent out of the ring or contest. In France, the pugilists wore leather coats that helped them stay warm during cold winters. In England, street fighters often put weights on their fists in hopes to gain strength, which they used against stronger opponents. Even though boxing is known to have first begun in the arenas of London and bouts began to be held in public places, the sport has made great strides in the world today with people from all walks of life enjoying this great sport.
If you are an avid fan of boxing, you may want to learn more about how it works and different weight classes. You can find out what the proper attire is when it comes to boxing, how to protect yourself during a boxing match, and why you should not punch your opponent in the face when you compete. If you have never really taken the time to learn about boxing, then it is time that you do.