Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport in which two people, wearing protective gloves, throw punches at each other for a predetermined amount of time in a boxing ring. It is both an Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport and is a common fixture in most international games.

Amateur boxing is both an Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport and is a standard fixture in most international games—it also has its own World Championships. Boxing is overseen by a referee over a series of one- to three-minute intervals called rounds.

Boxing has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 BC. The sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games in the 7th century BC.

Modern boxing began in 1867 with the introduction of the Marquess of Queensberry rules, which established the use of gloves, three-minute rounds, and the ten-second count. Throughout the 20th century, boxing became one of the most popular sports worldwide, producing legendary figures like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Mike Tyson.

Boxing techniques focus on punching and defense:

• Punches: Jab, cross, hook, uppercut
• Defensive movements: Slipping, bobbing and weaving, blocking, parrying
• Footwork: Proper stance, pivoting, cutting angles
• Combinations: Sequences of punches designed to find openings

Boxing training typically includes:

• Conditioning: Roadwork (running), jump rope, strength training
• Bag work: Heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag
• Mitt work: Working with a coach using focus mitts
• Sparring: Controlled fighting with a partner
• Shadow boxing: Practicing techniques without equipment