Boxing: The Power, the Glory and the Fame

Considered to be one of the most famous sports in the world, boxing commands billions of fans and watchers all over the world and huge amounts of money are involved in so many different matches both professional and amateur. It is also one of the most anticipated sports in the Olympics. This combat sport, which involves a fight match between two fighters in the same category or division where weight is generally similar, traces its roots in prehistoric periods.

Archaeological findings cave paintings in Africa and some parts of the Mediterranean reveal the practice of boxing-like activities and combats as early as 1500 B.C. It is believed that the Greeks were the first to have it as a formal sport during the ancient Olympics around 688 B.C. The Roman Empire had this sport using the first leather bands worn around the fists of the fighters for protection. Its popularity was revived in during the Industrial Revolution where matches were not as organized yet and were usually held in open areas like street fights with no rings. In the 18^th century, matches became more organized and a set of rules was made almost similar to modern-day regulations. There was no hitting below the belt and the point system given by judges started to become the decision maker. It was also during this time that boxing matches were held in rings around which were spectators.

There are different punches employed to overpower or knock down the opponent. The jab uses the lead hand and is considered to be the most important punch. The uppercut is employed to lift an opponent from below preparing the striker for a series of more powerful attacks. The cross is thrown straight from the rear hand, that one from the guard position, as a follow up to the jab. The hook is a semi-circular punch to strike the opponent’s head side. There are three ways to win a boxing match. First is gaining the most number of points at the end of the match. There is a panel of judges that gives the points. The second, which is a more spectacular way of winning, is to knock the opponent out until he no longer is able to get up after the designated referee has counted to ten. The third is through a stopped match, determined by either referee or the camp of the opponent. This happens when the opponent has already sustained heavy wounds and injuries that continuing with the fight may already be fatally risky.

The two main forms of boxing in the world today are amateur and professional. The amateur form of the sport is the one used at the Olympic Games and other regional sports competitions. There is an amateur boxing association that organizes and sanctions the bouts. Aside from the gloves, fighters wear a protective headgear. Professional boxing on the other hand has bouts that are longer than those in the amateur category and they typically range from ten to twelve rounds. Boxers compete for a huge amount of money usually set by promoters, spectators bet, and the match is usually televised and in some instances, advertisers pay huge some of money depending on the popularity of the fighters and how many television spectators are expected to watch. Because of this, boxers who succeed in this arena become famous celebrities who command a huge fan base and who make a huge mark in sports history.

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