Boxing
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This article is about the sport. For the desert near Brilon, see Boxen (Brilon); for other meanings, see van Boxen.
Boxing is a combat sport in which two opponents fight each other under fixed rules only with their fists. The aim is to score as many hits as possible on the opponent or to put him out of action by a knockout. The fighters are usually equipped with padded gloves and must belong to the same weight class.
A boxing match is fought under the supervision of a referee over several rounds lasting one to three minutes. It is decided when an opponent is deemed by the referee to be unable to continue the bout, there is a serious violation of the rules, a forfeit is signaled, or the expiration of the regular number of rounds results in a points decision.
There is a basic distinction between amateur and professional boxing. Amateur boxing is represented at the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games and has its own world championship. Professional boxing fights are organized by commercial boxing associations. Professional boxers have also been allowed to compete at the Olympic Games since 2016.
While man-on-man competition has probably existed since the dawn of human history, the beginnings of pugilism as an organized sport can be traced back to the Greek Olympic Games in 688 BC. Modern boxing developed from regularly scheduled prize fights in 17th and 18th century England. In the mid-19th century, the basic rules of modern boxing, known as the Queensberry Rules, were established.
Lightweight boxers Ricardo "Pelón" Dominguez (left) and Rafael Ortiz during a fight on August 9, 2005.
Word Origin
From the 16th century onwards, the verb "to box" is gradually used in English with the meaning "to beat with fists" and "to hit someone", the further origin is unclear. From the 18th century onwards, "boxen" then also appears in German. In today's usage, "Faustkampf" is considered a synonym or elevated for "boxing, the boxing match".
Boxing
- English boxing (today's most famous boxing sport)
- Kickboxing
- Thai boxing (Muay Thay; known from the Asian region)
- French Boxing (Savate)
- San Shou (Chinese Kickboxing)
