Boxing, also called pugilism, prizefighting (when referring to professional boxing) or the sweet science (a common nickname among fans), is a sport in which two participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists in a series of one to three-minute intervals called "rounds". In both Olympic and professional divisions, the combatants (called boxers or fighters) avoid their opponent's punches while trying to land punches of their own. Points are awarded for clean, solid blows to the legal area on the front of the opponent's body above the waistline, with hits to the head and torso being especially valuable. The fighter with the most points after the scheduled number of rounds is declared the winner. Victory may also be achieved if the opponent is knocked down and unable to get up before the referee counts to ten (a Knockout, or KO) or if the opponent is deemed too injured to continue (a Technical Knockout, or TKO). For record-keeping purposes, a TKO is counted as a knockout. On boxers' records, only KO's are mentioned. Technical knockouts are usually only mentioned in contemporaneous news articles.

Origins

---

Earliest evidence suggests that boxing was prevalent in North Africa during 4000 BC and the Mediterranean in 1500 BC.

A Greek ruler named Theseus, who ruled around 900 BC, was entertained by men who would be seated in front of each other and beat another with their fists until one of them was killed. In time, the fighters fought on their feet and wore gloves (not padded) and wrappings on their arms below the elbows, but were otherwise naked when competing. First accepted as an Olympic sport (the ancient Greeks called it Pygme/ Pygmachia) in 688 BC, participants in the ancient games trained on punching bags (called a korykos). Keeping their fingers free, fighters then wore leather straps (called himantes) on their hands, wrists, and sometimes lower arms, to protect them from injury.

More on [ Boxing ]

L.A. Times - Boxing

Lyoto Machida defeats Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in shocking decision
Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700
To the dismay and disbelief of spectators, judges declare the UFC light-heavyweight champion the winner despite his sluggish and hesitant showing. Machida lost a round for the first time in his UFC career, but all three judges rewarded the champion with 48-47 advantages on their scorecards.
UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Rua. Fight-by-fight recap from the PPV event
Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:49:12 -0700
Didn't buy the PPV? Stuck at work and can't watch? Join us here for our live coverage. Didn't buy the PPV? Stuck at work and couldn't watch? Join us here for our in-depth coverage.
UFC's Lyoto Machida gets in touch with his killer instinct
Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700
The undefeated light-heavyweight champion took to heart suggestions he needed a more compelling fighting style. He defends his title Saturday against Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua. The undefeated light-heavyweight champion took to heart suggestions he needed a more compelling fighting style. He defends his title Saturday against Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua.
Manny Pacquiao sleeps through his workout
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:14:05 -0700

Will Manny Pacquiao's political aspirations hurt his boxing?
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:10:37 -0700

Manny Pacquiao is back in town
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:32:23 -0700


Boxing: Hardcore Boxing Press Zone

DRL SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT FRES OQUENDO TO PROMOTIONAL BOXING AGREEMENT
DRL SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT FRES OQUENDO TO PROMOTIONAL BOXING AGREEMENT
Lovemore says Hatton Witter Castillo BRING THEM ALL ON
Lovemore says Hatton Witter Castillo BRING THEM ALL ON
TICKETS GOING FAST FOR BRIGGS IBRAGIMOV WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN TO TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 10TH IN NYC
TICKETS GOING FAST FOR BRIGGS IBRAGIMOV WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN TO TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 10TH IN NYC

ESPN.com - Boxing

Notebook: Super Six tune-up trepidation?
Dan Rafael Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:55:53 -0700
Only one thing stands between Mikkel Kessler and his place in the Super Six World Boxing Classic: a Saturday showdown with Gusmyr Perdomo.
Notebook: Layoff doesn't worry Mayweather
Dan Rafael Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:22:52 -0700
A two-year hiatus from the ring might turn out to be a good thing for Floyd Mayweather's longevity, writes Dan Rafael.
World Boxing Council wants to ban fathers from sons' corners
Reuters Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:45:27 -0800
The World Boxing Council wants to banish once and for all fathers from working their sons' corners during fights after a study showed it could prove fatal.
World Boxing Hall of Famer Lou Filippo, referee and judge, dies at age 83
Dan Rafael Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:52:51 -0800
Lou Filippo, a California referee and judge for more than 30 years and a World Boxing Hall of Famer, died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83.
Yonnhy Perez wins unanimous decision over Joseph Agbeko for IBF bantamweight title after controversial head butt
Associated Press Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:49:21 -0700
Yonnhy Perez floored Joseph Agbeko in the 10th round and won a unanimous decision Saturday night to take the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title in the first boxing match at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino.
Nevada approves replay for boxing matches
Dan Rafael Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:53:50 -0700
The referees working promoter Don King's boxing card at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday night will be able to utilize instant replay for the first time if necessary.

Subscribe to Boxing RSS feed

Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman walks in & round1