As with most combat sports and martial arts, boxing or pugilism evolved from ancient times. The first known boxing matches occurred in ancient Egypt and Babylon as long as 4,000 years ago. While much of the history between then and the 18th century has been lost, the sport never died out and continues to hold a strong presence today both as a solitary sport and as a part of mixed martial arts.
Early artwork showcases the popularity of boxing throughout the ancient world, but between the days of the first Olympics until the late 1600s, there are few historical records. Published records of bare-knuckle fights begin to show up around 1681. James Figg was the first official English bare-knuckle champ, crowned in 1719. Champion boxer Jack Broughton was the first to write up rules for the sport, hoping to formalize boxing and reduce serious injuries and death. He also created the first padded boxing gloves.
Broughton's rules continued to evolve and change until about 1867, when the Marquess of Queensbury financed the publication of uniform boxing rules, and while they weren't written by him, they are known as the Marquess of Queensbury Rules. Most of these rules are still in practice today in the professional boxing world.
The Queensbury rules include a dozen regulations that range from the size and shape of the boxing ring, the length of rounds and total number of rounds in a full match. Rules about gloves, referees and coaching also were included in these rules.
The sport of boxing was primarily a way for fighters to earn money during this time and, of course, gambling was a huge part of every fight. However, when the modern Olympic Games were formed, amateur boxing leagues were established with the emphasis resting on boxing as an art form and sport and not as a financial enterprise. The rules for amateur boxing are different, with shorter bouts and more protective gear being among the differences.
Amateur boxing associations are still popular today, and professional boxing is still one of the world's most popular sports. Boxing is also a big part of mixed martial arts training. While MMA fighters shouldn't depend only on their boxing skills or another single method of fighting, there are advantages to having strong boxing proficiency. Boxing classes offer a great way to improve your hand combat skills and your footwork. The larger your skill set, the stronger you will be in a fight.
Early artwork showcases the popularity of boxing throughout the ancient world, but between the days of the first Olympics until the late 1600s, there are few historical records. Published records of bare-knuckle fights begin to show up around 1681. James Figg was the first official English bare-knuckle champ, crowned in 1719. Champion boxer Jack Broughton was the first to write up rules for the sport, hoping to formalize boxing and reduce serious injuries and death. He also created the first padded boxing gloves.
Broughton's rules continued to evolve and change until about 1867, when the Marquess of Queensbury financed the publication of uniform boxing rules, and while they weren't written by him, they are known as the Marquess of Queensbury Rules. Most of these rules are still in practice today in the professional boxing world.
The Queensbury rules include a dozen regulations that range from the size and shape of the boxing ring, the length of rounds and total number of rounds in a full match. Rules about gloves, referees and coaching also were included in these rules.
The sport of boxing was primarily a way for fighters to earn money during this time and, of course, gambling was a huge part of every fight. However, when the modern Olympic Games were formed, amateur boxing leagues were established with the emphasis resting on boxing as an art form and sport and not as a financial enterprise. The rules for amateur boxing are different, with shorter bouts and more protective gear being among the differences.
Amateur boxing associations are still popular today, and professional boxing is still one of the world's most popular sports. Boxing is also a big part of mixed martial arts training. While MMA fighters shouldn't depend only on their boxing skills or another single method of fighting, there are advantages to having strong boxing proficiency. Boxing classes offer a great way to improve your hand combat skills and your footwork. The larger your skill set, the stronger you will be in a fight.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For additional info about martial arts San Diego or to find a local San Diego boxing gym, please go to The Arena MMA website now.
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