What is boxing?
It is a type of combat sport in which two opponents strike each other with their fists while protecting their heads and torsos. The fight takes place according to strict rules and under the supervision of referees.
Boxers compete in the ring (usually a 6×6 m square area). The goal is to land more accurate punches on your opponent. Victory can be achieved:
by points (if the fight lasts all rounds);
by knockout (if your opponent falls and does not get up within 10 seconds);
by technical knockout (if the referee stops the fight for the safety of the athlete).
Types of boxing
There are many different types of boxing, each with its own rules, techniques, and fighting style. Here are the main ones.
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Classic (English) boxing
This is the traditional boxing we see at the Olympics and in professional arenas.
Only punches above the waist are allowed.
The fight takes place with gloves, in several rounds.
It is considered the basis for most other types of martial arts.
It is divided into amateur and professional.
Kickboxing
Combines boxing and kicking.
Blows with hands, feet, and knees are allowed (in some versions).
There are subtypes: full contact, low kick, K-1 — they differ in the level of permitted strikes.
Thai boxing (Muay Thai)
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport with a centuries-old history. It is a very spectacular and tough sport.
Fists, elbows, knees, and shins are used.
It is possible to strike in close quarters, i.e., at close range.
The fight takes place in the ring, as in classic boxing, but the technique is more varied.
French Savate
A European variety of boxing.
Strikes with hands and feet are permitted, but only with gloves and shoes.
The movements are graceful and precise — savate is considered a “noble” form of combat.
Women’s and children’s boxing
The same principles apply, but:
more attention is paid to technique, speed, and defense;
protective helmets are mandatory in women’s amateur boxing;
children’s boxing limits the force of blows and the duration of rounds.
The first fights
Fist fighting has fascinated humanity for thousands of years, originating in Ancient Egypt and reaching its peak in Ancient Greece, where it was included in the list of Olympic disciplines. In more recent times, fighting experienced a new wave of popularity in the West in the second half of the 19th century, launching the so-called era of bare fists. At that time, there were no gloves, and fighters fought for money in back alleys, hangars, or outside the city, warming up between rounds with a sip of good whiskey. The fights ended either with a knockout, or when darkness fell, or when the police simply dispersed everyone, as these fights were initially equated with street fights. Grappling, headbutts, and kicks to the legs were allowed in the fights, for which specially weighted boots with spikes on the soles were worn.
Over time, fighters appeared who stood out from the rest. They were stronger, faster, meaner, and, most importantly, smarter than their opponents. The most prominent boxer of the time was American John Sullivan, the last world champion in bare-knuckle fighting. He could beat up several dozen people in one evening, provided, of course, that he didn’t drink too much beforehand.
From simple to complex
Over time, gloves, the square ring, weight categories, and, of course, rules appeared. Techniques changed, speed increased, and coaches appeared. It was time to understand the essence of boxing from a purely technical point of view.
As my mentor used to say, there is nothing complicated about it. And at first glance, it would seem to be the absolute truth, because in classic boxing there are only six punches. Straight, side, and from below. One for each hand. The arsenal seems meager, but in training, it is quite possible to hone all these movements and, of course, learn to defend yourself against six punches. That’s it, case closed, you’re a future world champion! However, in the process, it becomes clear that in order to become a halfway decent fighter, you need to learn how to move correctly. Movement in boxing is called footwork, or footwork, which is the basis of the basics. It allows you to correctly choose your distance, attack, defend, dodge, use ducks, and simply move around the ring.