The Sport Of Boxing Essays - Combat Sports, Individual Sports

The Sport of Boxing Boxing is often referred to as the "Manly Art of Self Defense." It is a very respectable sport that has a rough side to it. Boxing takes place in a sixteen to twenty-four foot square padded area called a ring. A boxing match (referred to as a bout) is usually a fast , violent show of strength, stamina, and skill. The boxers throw powerful punches as each tries to win the bout by means of points, knocking his opponent unconscious, or forcing him to give up the fight. While at the same time , each boxer must guard his head and body against the others punches by dodging or blocking the blows. The action may take place in any part of the ring as the fighters weave about or press forward, trying to get a chance for a successful blow or combination. Good boxers are strong, quick, skillful, and in top physical condition. They also have the courage and determination to fight in spite of pain and exhaustion. Boxers fight as amateurs or professionals. Most amateurs compete as members of and organization or team and some box in tournaments. Amateurs may not accept or receive money for boxing. Professionals fight for money and are often referred to as prize fighters. Boxing Regulations The rules followed for amateurs and professional bouts do differ for the United States and in international and Olympic Game competition. Weight Classes-Boxers compete in classes, or divisions, based on their weight. To fight in a particular class, a boxer may not weigh more than the maximum for that class. The professional weight classes from heaviest to lightest is Heavyweight, Junior Heavyweight , Middleweight, Junior Middleweight, Welterweight, Junior Welterweight, Lightweight, Junior Lightweight, Featherweight, Junior Featherweight, Bantomweight, Junior Bantomweight, Flyweight, Junior Flyweight. The Ring- The ring is a square platform measuring sixteen to twenty-four feet on each side. For professional championship bouts, the boxers may select the size of the ring within these limits on the approval of the local boxing commission. At least three ropes attached to a post at each corner, surround the ring. The floor of the ring has a canvas covering stretched over felt or foam rubber. The ring floor stands three to four feet higher than the floor of the arena. Equipment- A boxers hands are wrapped in soft cloth bandages , over the bandages he wears padded gloves. His gloves soften his punches and protect his hands as well as his opponent from injury. The gloves weigh eight or ten ounces. Boxers wear trunks and light weight shoes that lace just above the ankle. A mouthpiece of hard rubber protects the teeth, and a plastic cup protects the sex organs. Both amateur and professionals wear a protective leather helmet when training. Amateur fighters may wear a helmet in actual competition, though professionals do not. The helmet covers the back and sides of the head and ears. Time periods- Time periods of a boxing match are referred to as rounds. Each round lasts two or three minutes in amateur bouts. Rounds in major professional bouts last three minutes. In all matches there is a one minute rest period between rounds. A professional bout may be scheduled for four to fifteen rounds . Most professional championships are scheduled for twelve or fifteen rounds. Amateur fights are three to six rounds. All amateur championships are scheduled for three rounds. Fight Officials- During a round, the referee is the only person in the ring besides the boxers. He sees that the fighters obey the rules. The referee warns a boxer that disobeys a rule. He may disqualify a fighter for committing a serious violation or too many violations. Two or three judges sit along ringside and score most fights. However, amateur championship fights require two judges. The time keeper keeps track of time and sounds a bell to signal the beginning and end of each round. An official ring physician is present at every bout to provide medical treatment if needed. The physician then advises the referee how serious an injured fighters condition may be. Scoring a Fight- A boxer wins a fight by (1) a knockout, (2) a technical knockout, or (3) a decision. Sometimes, a professional bout may end in a draw, with neither fighter declared the winner. Amateur fights cannot win in a draw. In a close bout, the amateur who showed better style or committed fewer violations may be awarded the winner. A