Boxing is a sport that involves strategically punching an opponent while defending yourself from their return punches. Some amateurs practice boxing as a way to stay in shape.Boxers usually wear padded gloves and generally observe the code set forth in the marquess of Queensberry rules. Matched in weight and ability, boxing contestants try to land blows hard and often with their fists, each attempting to avoid the blows of the opponent. A boxer wins a match either by outscoring the opponent-points can be tallied in several ways-or by rendering the opponent incapable of continuing the match. Bouts range from 3 to 12 rounds, each round normally lasting three minutes.
Boxing first appeared as aformal Olympic event in the 23rd Olympiad (688 BCE), but fist-fighting contests must certainly have had their origin in mankind’s prehistory. The earliest evidence of rules for the sport comes from ancient Greece.
These ancient contests had no rounds; they continued until one man either acknowledged defeat by holding up afinger or was unable to continue. Clinching (holding an opponent at close quarters with one or both arms) was strictly forbidden. Contests were held outdoors, which added the challenge of intense heat and bright sunlight to the fight.
Contestants represented all social classes.In the early years of the major athletic festivals, a preponderance of the boxers came from wealthy and distinguished backgrounds.
The Greeks considered boxing the most injurious of their sports. A 1st-century BCE inscription praising a pugilist states, “A boxer’s victory is gained in blood.” In fact, Greek literature offers much evidence that the sport caused disfigurement and, occasionally, even death.In modern times, Muay Thai is often seen as the best striking martial art. It is well spread all around the world, matches are very popular, and it also plays a big role in modern MMA.
