Boxing is a combat sport that involves fighting with fists. Traditionally, boxing has also been referred to as “pugilism,” which literally means, “fist fight.” Fights take place in an area called a “ring,” and consist of timed rounds. Winners are decided by points or by knocking out an opponent. A referee runs the fight inside the ring while judges outside the ring ultimately decide who wins the match. 

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          Historical evidence suggests humans have been engaging in fisticuffs in one form or another throughout history. Sumerian relief carvings depicting boxing have been found dating as far back as the third millennium BC, and fighting as a form of sport has been traced back to c.1500 BC.

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          As boxing’s popularity grew, so did the amounts of money that wealthy aristocrats gambled on their favorite fighters. Because of this, rules were instituted and the sport started to become more organized.

While the idea of weight classes was introduced somewhere in the early 1820’s, it wasn’t until around the turn of the 20th century that weight classes were finally standardized in an effort to even the odds between boxers in a fight.

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          Today, boxing falls into two main categories: amateur and professional. In amateur boxing, scoring is based on points rather than the physical damage inflicted on an opponent. Also, protective headgear is worn. Matches are shorter, consisting of three rounds that are each three minutes long, with a one-minute rest interval in between rounds.

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          On the other hand, professional boxing matches typically consist of 10 to 12 rounds. Headgear is not permitted, and fighters take much more damage. It is not uncommon for boxers to begin their career as an amateur fighter before turning pro. 

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           Boxing’s Olympic history began in 688 BC with the sport’s inclusion in the 23rd Olympiad of the ancient games. There were no rounds or weight classes. Competitors simply fought until someone either acknowledged defeat or was unable to continue fighting.

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           Boxing made its debut in the modern day Olympic games in 1904 in St. Louis. Women’s boxing was not included in the Olympics until over a century later at the 2012 games in London.

Famous Olympic boxers include: Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr, Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin and Anthony Joshua. 

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At TITANS MUAY THAI GYM we will teach the techniques as well as skills and mindset of need to be a successful boxer in a relaxed and friendly group/class environment.