Boxing is a sport that some argue vehemently over. It may be considered a violent outlet of aggression that is rigged and the winner is known before the bout begins. But for other individuals, it is a sport that involves true skills and a testament to the fighting spirit of the human soul. Humanity has been fighting since our first steps began on the evolutionary ladder and will likely to continue.

Boxing has fully integrated itself into the world of sports and even has its own celebrities that titillate our urge to gossip and watch their lives like a hawk. Hopefully the information in this article will address some of the basics of boxing and will help you make up your mind about the sport.

When did boxing begin?

Boxing dates back to the Ancient Greeks but was initially called Pugilism. There were many forms of the fighting style, some of which were deadly and many of which has made its way into Greek literature. It was the Greeks that first introduced boxing into the Olympic Games but later also removed them. Other cultures, such as the Chinese and the Europeans, took up the sport as a way to entertain the masses. It has also been used in pubs and bars throughout the world as a means to settle disagreements though that type of bare-knuckle fighting is more akin to street fighting than it is to the sport of boxing. In 1908 amateur and collegiate boxing was once gain admitted entry as an official event in the Olympic Games.

What are the different boxing styles?

In the beginning, boxing was a bare-knuckle sport in which opponents battled until one person was unconscious or killed. Thankfully the spectator sport has turned less brutal though there are still grave injuries that can and do occur. Boxing is not so much broken down into types of boxing; rather it is the style in which a particular fighter uses. There are quite a few styles such as a Brawler, an In-Fighter or the classic Out-Fighter.

When did boxing become an official sport?

Boxing has been around in some form since the 12th century B.C. but it was not recognized as a sport with rules until 1743 in England. There are been many revisions of the rules since as boxing grew in popularity throughout the world. In the 20th century the U.S. has become the center of the boxing world with professional organizations posting rules and regulations for every aspect of the sport.

What are the rules in boxing?

The rules of boxing can be pretty complex and differ according to which organization the boxer is a member of. Some of the standard rules are no hitting below the belt, no biting, no kicking and not using gloves that contain metal or weight.

What are the different weight classes in boxing?

Weight classes differ according to the organization and whether or not it is a professional or amateur match. The World Boxing Association begins with Minimumweight and goes up to Heavyweight. The classes are divided by how much the boxer weighs. The minimum is one hundred and five pounds and goes up to the Heavyweight class which is anything over two hundred pounds.

How long does a boxing round go?

A typical boxing round lasts for three minutes at the professional level. Amateurs fight in two minute rounds.

How many rounds are there in a boxing match?

Professional rounds can go no longer than twelve rounds. A fight can be ended either through a knock-out (KO) where the opponent is knocked down and unable to get up by a count of ten from the referee, or it can also be ended if the referee believes that one of the boxers is injured to the point of not being able to defend himself in which case it is called a technical knock-out (TKO). There are also a variety of other reasons a fight can end. If the fight lasts until the twelfth round then the outcome goes to the judges who decide which fighter has the most points. The fight can also be ended by "throwing in the towel" by the trainer or coach of the fighter.

Can anyone learn how to box?

Anyone can learn to box provided they have some mobility. Boxing is a very rigorous sport and there is a lot of stress put onto the joints and bones in the arms and legs. Many people have turned to boxing as a way to exercise since it works all parts of the body. Before beginning boxing it is important to consult your physician to make sure there is nothing that would hinder your decision to learn how to box. The next step is finding a good gym or trainer and beginning your program.

Is boxing considered self-defense?

Yes, in some ways it could be considered self-defense but would not be advisable since it is a hand-to-hand combat that is of no use to someone who is armed. It has been used many times in school yard brawls and bar fights but would not typically be used as a primary self-defense.

I want to be a professional boxer. How do I get started?

The first step to becoming a professional boxer is learning how to box. Boxing requires an excellent offense and defense skill as well as quick moving feet and plenty of energy. You must be in shape in order to become a professional boxer. After the basics are covered then begins the intensive training with a professional trainer. He or she will tell you what class you are suited to fight in and then will begin scheduling fights. You must move up the ranks in order to begin competing for titles.

What are the dangers of boxing?

Boxing can result in brain damage and fatalities. It is common for life-long fighters to develop brain damage after a long period of competing. Why? Because you are taking repeated hits to the face and even with gloves, the impact is severe. There is also damage taken to the stomach and the ribs as well.

Who are some of the people in the Boxing Hall of Fame?

One of the most famous boxers in the history of boxing was Muhammed Ali. His "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman made history as two colossal fighters went head to head. Other greats include: Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, and Jack Dempsey. There are other fighters that have become known for their infamy such as Mike Tyson who served jail-time.

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