Free Essay

Boxing History

In: Historical Events

Submitted By jasmartinezzz
Words 670
Pages 3
History Of Boxing

Boxing is one of the most popular games, especially in Europe and the Americas. Legends like Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Benny Leonard, Mickey Walker along with many stars have brought worldwide fame and recognition to the sport. Boxing was earlier known by the name Pugilism, meaning sweet science.

Historical evidence lead to the fact that boxing was prevalent in North Africa in 4000 BC. It was also popularly played in Greek and Rome.The rules were crude then andboxers often indulged into lethal boxing rounds with leather taped on to their bare hands. It is believed that In Ancient Rome, the boxing fighters were usually offenders and slaves. They played the game to win and gain independence. However, facts also point to free men fighting for competition and the spirit of sport. Eventually, Augustus is known to have banned fighting. It is also said that in 500 A.D. Theodoric banned the sport owing to its popularity and growing distraction caused in public life.

The first signs of documented records take you to the year 1681 in Britain. It is a popular belief that the Duke of Albemarle held a boxing competition between his butcher and butler. The common reason for such matches is believed to be amusement and fun.

Prior to 1866, Jack Boughtonis is credited with establishing a set of rules for boxing. It is said that Jack decided to publish the rules in 1743 after a grisly match with one of his opponents who died during the match. The legend was popularly known as the ‘Father of boxing’.

However, the more recognizable development occurred during a time known as modern era in boxing. In the year 1866, the Marquess of Queensberry consented to a new set of boxing rules. The rules were titled with his name. The new rules introduced limited number of 3-minute rounds. It also banned gouging and wrestling during the match and made gloves compulsory. It took a while for bare-knuckled fights to completely go out of fashion, but there was considerable decrease after the rule was passed. In 1892, James Corbett set this rule straight by defeating the bare-fisted boxer John Sullivan with the new established rules.

Another radical changes in the sport can be traced to Douglass. It was John Douglass who gave birth to the modern day boxing rules way back in 1865. Famous as the ‘Patron Saint’, Douglass has contributed to systematic game of boxing. He made 12 prominent rules, the most significant ones being three-minute rounds and approved standards for boxing gloves.

There was no looking back for the sport during early 1900s. Boxing was on list in the St. Louis games in 1904. Throughout the 20th century, the world witnessed gifted fighters who fought for titles and bestowed the game with world known recognition and popularity. Boxing was heading straight into the 21st century with grace and aplomb.

In 1902, a London dentist by the name Jack Marles invented the first mouth guard for boxers. The mouth guards were basically designed for training sessions. In 1913, Welterweight fighter Ted "Kid" Lewis became the first boxer to use a protective mouthpiece in the prize ring. The mouthpiece soon became popular and gained acclaim in the sport of boxing.

The establishment of National Boxing Association (NBA) in 1927 ensured a fair governing body that looked into the game and its success. The main aim of the NBA was to arrange championships between the best talents and look after boxing ethics and popularity of the game. We have three world-acclaimed boxing organizations today—the WBC, IBF and the WBA. The International Amateur Boxing Association was formed in 1946 and it is the first international body for amateur boxing.

Some other glorious names in the history of boxing include Gene Tunney, Corbett and Sullivan for heavy weight category, as also lightweight champions Barney Ross and Henry Armstrong. The boxing history offers insight into many stalwart moments of the game.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Consultation

...History of Amateur Boxing Italian Amphora circa 500BC Ancient History The history of boxing starts from the history of Ancient Greece with perhaps the first mention being in Homer’s “Iliad”, written around 1100BC, describing a prize-fight between Epeus and Euryalus. There are, however, ancient Egyptian artefacts dating back to 3000BC that appear to depict boxing events and suggestions that “Boxing” occurred in Ethiopia as early as 6000BC. The earliest “pictures” of boxing appeared much closer to the times of Homer in the form of a fresco from Santorini Island dated around 1600BC that depicts two young boxers. Mosaic from Roman Ruins in Tunis In the Ancient Greek history, king Theseus is credited with introducing boxing as a form of entertainment before the fifth century BC. There were few rules, but traditional “Codes of Honour” were observed and, for boxing, there was an understanding that the contest involved punching and therefore wrestling and grappling was not allowed. At that time there were no “rings” and the fighting area was defined by the spectators. As a result, the boxers could often back away and, as they came closer to the spectators, they too could back away so that the ring size was continually changing. The result was that there was no ringcraft and an opponent could not be “cornered”. In practice, the “honour” or pride of the boxers’ was such that they would usually not back away and they stood with their feet in one place throwing blows at their opponent...

Words: 3764 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

How to Box

...their hands for boxing and some simple moves. Central Idea: Boxing is a great way to exercise and let out some pent up energy. INTRODUCTION I. Attention Material A. Boxing is a sport. 1. Boxing can be dangerous. 2. Boxing can be really fun. II. Orienting Material A. Boxing has been around since the 40th century BC and it has evolved greatly. B. In the 40th century boxing fighters were usually offenders and slaves who fought for their freedom. C. Boxing today is either an amateur fight or a professional fight. Amateur fights are three rounds whereas professional fights are four to fifteen rounds and all fights are scored by judges and refs. Last fighter to stay standing wins. D. My information comes from my experience, boxing websites, and the Olympics website. (Transition: Begin wrapping my hands and talks about the history of the wraps.) BODY I. Hand wraps for boxing help to prevent broken knuckles and wrists. A. Back in the 40th century boxers would braid their fists and forearms with soft leather straps. B. Later on the straps were made out of harder leather that would be armored with special copper and iron brackets. II. How boxing evolved. A. Throughout time boxing became known as the workingman’s sport because of the prizes boxers could win. So everyday men would put their fist to the test to try to win a little extra cash or sometimes even food. B. Before the 1850s boxing was played in street...

Words: 626 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Joyce Carol Oates The Cruelest Sport

...When we sit down and think we realize that everything has its own history; from the evolution of the horse to the way humans communicate to each other. Back in the olden days, Romans had what was known to be gladiators; they would take prisoners and have them battle together in front of hundreds of people until one man was left standing. Does that sound familiar? Yes, it should sound like what Americans know to be as boxing and also to Joyce Carol Oates, “The Cruelest Sport”. “The Cruelest Sport” gives background of not only the dangers of boxing but also how the energy and momentum of this sport is what keeps these raging fans for more action. Oates does not write this paper to talk about the negative, but through it you can see that she too...

Words: 1057 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Swot Analysis of a Gym

...Table Of Content • Aim of the project. • What is Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and the history of it. • How Muay Thai (Thai boxing) in Singapore evolved over the years. • Reasons why Muay Thai is getting more and more recognized & popular in Singapore. • The background of Asfitness. • SWOT analysis. • Conclusion. • Recommendation. Aim of the project The objective of the report is to learn more about how Muay Thai (Thai-boxing) in Singapore has evolved over the past few years. Starting with only one single gym in eastern Singapore that provides lessons on Thai boxing, now there are at least 10 gyms all over Singapore that provides lessons on this particular sport. A renowned gym, Alvin Seet Fitness (ASF) had been in this industry for the past 10 years .We will see how ASF have overcome several difficulties and strong competitions to become one of Singapore’s well known gym. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) and its history Muay Thai is a combat sport that originated from Thailand. It is a stand up sport that requires striking of hits and it consists of various clinching techniques which takes some time to learn. Muay Thai is also known as the "Art of Eight Limbs" or the "Science Of Eight Limbs" because it uses the eight points of contact - the fists, knees , shins and elbows strikes to execute the different moves. The history of Muay Thai marks all the way back to a few hundred years ago when war was fought...

Words: 2396 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Jack Dempsey: The Great White Hope

...On September 23, 1926, he was defeated by challenger Gene Tunney before a record crowd of 120,000 fans in Philadelphia. When the bruised and battered Dempsey returned to his hotel that night, his wife, shocked at his gruesome appearance, asked him what happened. "Honey," Dempsey famously answered. "I forgot to duck." The hilarious and self-effacing anecdote made Dempsey something of a folk legend for the rest of his life. A year later, in 1927, Dempsey challenged Tunney to a rematch in a fight that would become one of the most controversial in boxing history. Dempsey knocked Tunney down in the seventh round, but forgot a new rule requiring him to return to a neutral corner while the referee counted, extending the pause in the fight. Dempsey's slipup afforded Tunney at least five precious extra seconds to recover and return to his feet, and Tunney eventually won the fight. Although Dempsey fans argue that he would have won if not for the "long count," Tunney maintained that he was in control throughout the...

Words: 1344 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

How Did Muhammad Ali Impact Society

... his career, and his religion. People knew him for who he was and who he became with his career and his religion. His religion was especially a benefactor to his influence on people. First, Muhammad Ali impacted society by where he came from, or his background story. In the biography “Muhammad Ali” it said “Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name in 1964 after joining the Nation of Islam. Citing his religious beliefs, he refused military induction and was stripped of his heavyweight championship and banned from boxing for three years during the prime...

Words: 1199 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Fdfdgf

...Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pernell Whitaker | Statistics | Real name | Pernell Whitaker | Nickname(s) | Sweet Pea | Rated at | LightweightLight WelterweightWelterweightLight Middleweight | Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Reach | 175 cm (69 in) | Nationality |  American | Born | January 2, 1964 (age 51)Norfolk, Virginia, USA | Stance | Southpaw | Boxing record | Total fights | 7 | Wins | 7 | Wins by KO | 3 | Losses | 0 | Draws | 0 | No contests | 0 | Pernell Whitaker Medal record | Men's boxing | Competitor for the  United States | Olympic Games | | 1984 Los Angeles | Lightweight | Pan American Games | | 1983 Caracas | Lightweight | World Amateur Championships | | 1982 Munich | Lightweight | Pernell Whitaker (born January 2, 1964 in Norfolk, Virginia), nicknamed "Sweet Pea," is a professional boxing trainer and retired American professional boxer. Whitaker was the lightweight silver medalist at the 1982 World Championships, followed by the gold medalist at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 Olympics. Whitaker then embarked on a pro career in which he became world champion in four different weight divisions. During his career, he fought world champions such as Julio César Chávez, Oscar De La Hoya and Félix Trinidad. For his achievements...

Words: 3972 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Ggik Case Study

...Currently he is the most feared man in Boxing aside from Light Heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. Unlike Mayweather who was the man in the welterweight division to mention in post-fight interviews, GGG’s is a name most Middleweights stray away from. In his last fight against David Lemiux was built up to be his toughest fight yet. Every one watched the fight and saw that David Lemuix looked more like David “pepe Le Pew”. GGG tamed Lemiux with a stiff jab the whole night beating him to a bloody pulp. Who else is there left for GGG face in the Division, well Media and Fans alike are demanding the Winner of Cotto VS Canelo fight GGG next in a unification bout, which is GGG’s goal before moving up to Super Middle weight. In Cotto’s post-fight interview after stopping Daniel Geale he seemed reluctant to say yes to a mega fight with Borat’s big brother. Canelo recently said he will face GGG at a catch weight if he is...

Words: 502 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Muhammad Ali

...Ali was much more then a boxer he was an inspiration to many americans living in poverty. American soldiers fighting over seas were given strength by this amazing fighter. Muhammad Ali is an unsung heroes in american history. Muhammad Ali was born January 17,1942 (may have been conceived in May 1941) under the name Cassius Marcellus Clay jr. in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali was born to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. Ali changed his name after he converted to Muslim in 1975. Ali's road to greatness started when he was 12 years old. When a red and white Schwinn bicycle was stolen, a distraught Ali went to a police station to report the theft. Young Ali reported the theft to police officer Joe Martin, while Ali was telling the officer what happened he said the phrase that would start his career " when I find the person that stole my bike Im going to pummel them". Officer martin ( boxing trainer) told the young man that he needed to train before he started to challenge any one. Officer Martin took Ali under his wing and began to train him. This was the first step on the long road to being a world heavy weight champion and Olympic gold medal.Young Ali trained hard and dedicated all his time to learning as much as he could about the art of boxing. Four weeks later (1954) Ali won his first match by a split...

Words: 261 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Hey You Beautiful

...Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. His father painted signs and his mother Odessa Grady Clay worked as a cleaning lady, whenever they struggled with money. Considered one of the greatest athletes in boxing history, Ali showed his bravery at an early age. Growing up in the segregated south, Ali discovered and experienced racial prejudice firsthand, which likely lead to his early passion for boxing. (The making of an icon, page 7) When 12 year old Muhammad Ali went to a merchandise fair with his friend in his hometown, Louisville, they returned to get their bicycles only to discover that Muhammad's bike had been stolen. Furious, Ali reported the crime to the Columbia Auditorium. He spoke to the nearest policeman Joe Martin, who was also a boxing coach at the Columbia gym. Ali threatened to beat the victim up, but Martin suggested that he should probably learn to fight first. Ali started working with Martin to learn how to box, and soon began his boxing career. (history1900s.about.com/od/people/a/muhammadali.com) Ever since Ali started to box, he took his training seriously, and trained six days a week. On school days, he woke up early in the morning just so he could go running, and then he would workout later in the evening. When Martin's gym would close at 8pm, Ali then went to train at another boxing gym. Ali even started to...

Words: 1812 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Bio Scotch of Mike Tyson

...Jared Dickerson PSYC120-1204A-3 The Mind of A champion: Profile on Mike Tyson November 11, 12 What the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mike Tyson? The man who once told a reporter he was going to rape him? Or, the man who overcame the odds rose to the top to become champion? I choose to do a psychological sketch on Tyson because he was once the richest and best-known athlete in the world, but still remains one of the hardest people to understand. Mike Tyson was born June 30th 1966 in Brooklyn, New York. By the age of two he was living with his 5 siblings in a single parent household in Brownsville New York, one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city. Having being exposed to domestic violence at an early age, Tyson would build a love for training pigeon as an escape of his reality. At age 9, a 15-year-old gang member decapitated one of Tyson’s beloved pigeons by turning it’s head slowly till it snapped off. Seeing this Tyson attacked the boy like a wild animal and brutally beat him. From that point Tyson reputation began to grow in his neighborhood. Tyson was quoted in an interview stating, “I never saw my mother happy with me and proud of me for doing something.  She only knew me as being a wild kid running the streets, coming home with new clothes that she knew I didn't pay for. I never got a chance to talk to her or know about her. Professionally, it has no effect, but it's crushing emotionally and personally." If a child doesn’t...

Words: 2468 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Muhammad Ali's Controversy In 'When We Were Kings'

...On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali delivered an eighth round knockout to heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, the capital of Zaire (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo). The fight, known as the Rumble in the Jungle, is a monument in sports history and a moment of equally potent social and political significance. Leon Gast’s colossal collection of archival footage leading up to the fight in Zaire was assembled and released twenty years later in the form of a documentary entitled When We Were Kings. The film focuses on Ali’s preparation for the fight in the context of his controversial role in American society at the time. An overwhelming presence in American popular culture, Ali reaffirmed his athletic and cultural dominance...

Words: 1339 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Muhammad Ali

..."The name Muhammad Ali needs no introduction in the sports industry. This man is a living legend. Ali has accomplished my achievements during an era when African-Americas weren’t allowed any opportunities. The career of Cassius Clay began at the age of twelve. After his brand new bike had been stolen at the Louisville Home Show. He wanted to “whoop” the thieves so badly that he began to take boxing lessons. His first victory was a three round, three-minute split decision match. As he became more dedicated to boxing, Clay advanced to winning six Kentucky Golden Gloves Championships, two National Golden Glove tournaments and two National AAU titles. He won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. The career highlight for Cassius Clay was being titled heavyweight champion after his defeating Sonny Liston. Ali contributes to variety of charities and services. “ I am devoting much of his life today healing the human spirit. My chosen path for doing this is my religion. “ quoted Muhammad. He is creating the Muhammad Ali center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The ultimate goal of the Muhammad Ali center is to inspire everyone everywhere to be the best they can be. It has been a dream of Ali to create a place to share, teach and inspire people to be their best and pursue their dreams. He also lends his name and presence to hunger and poverty relief and supporting education efforts of all kinds. In addition, he promotes adoption and encouraging people to love one another...

Words: 404 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Muhammad Ali

...What kind of man does it take to achieve greatness? A man that inspires people through his work in the boxing ring, as well as in his personal life. We meet a man who, throughout his life has done both all the way up to this very day. He has inspired people to fight for what they believe and to have confidence to be whoever you want. Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers of all time and an influential leader throughout his entire life. Cassius Clay was born January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. While Cassius was a young he experienced racial prejudice and discrimination. At the age of 12, young Cassius and a friend were at the local fair when the two noticed Cassius bike was stolen, which led him to his boxing career. It was more of a twist of fate that brought Cassius Clay to boxing. According to Muhammad Ali (2013). Cassius ran to Joe Martin who was a police officer and also trained boxers at the local gym. When Joe heard that Cassius wanted to beat the thief up Joe Martin replied “Well you better learn how to fight, before you start challenging people” Muhammad Ali (2013). Joe Martin took Cassius under his wing and worked with Cassius on his boxing skills. Cassius went on to win his first Amateur fight in 1954 from a split decision. Cassius then won the Golden Gloves Tournament for novices in 1956 as well as jumping through ranks and winning the National Golden Gloves three years later. Cassius was quick and had a powerful jab that caught his opponents of guard...

Words: 1034 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Muhammad Ali Essay

...Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali who was originally known as Cassius Clay Jr. is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist, and civil rights activist. Considered a cultural icon, Ali was both idolized as well as vilified. It would be easiest to brag about how many championships he has acquired or fights he has won throughout his career, but Ali did not become one of the more famous people in the world by just winning numerous amounts of fights. He was a daily headline, the bigger ones outside the ring. He was complicated and unpredictable, refreshing, and controversial. He was totally against racism and wanted equality for every human being. He won a gold medal for the United States in the 1960 Rome Olympics and proudly stood on the victory stand. Later, he reportedly threw the medal into the Ohio River after not being allowed to eat in a whites-only restaurant. Ali used the heavyweight championship tile as a weapon against the social and economic injustices of his time. He became the most recognized American on the globe, his words to dictators freed hostages where military force and political authority failed and he still took the time to play with kids on the street when he came to their neighborhoods whether it was in Detroit or Zaire. He fought evil and injustice with all the tools God gave him, harder and in a bigger arena than he ever did as a boxer. Ali paid a huge cost for his beliefs without thought to his personal gain, and proved Hemingway right, "a man can...

Words: 575 - Pages: 3