Boxing History: Arguably The Oldest Of All Sports
Boxing in its most basic form could be defined as two people punching each other. Boxing is arguably the oldest of all sports. It is rules, however, which separate "boxing" from simply "fighting". The ancient Greeks are generally credited with being the first to institute rules and make boxing a true sport. Many historians cite the inclusion of boxing in the Olympic games as early as 688 B.C. as the sport's birth date.
Boxing grew in stature during Roman times, with contestants often wearing fist coverings. Matches could result in battles to the death during these times. While boxing saw its popularity decline after the fall of Rome, it was destined to make a big comeback one day.
Boxing flourished as a workingman's sport in England in the 18th century. One of the stars of that era was James Figg, who was recognized as heavyweight champ from 1719 through 1730. A subsequent British heavyweight champ, Jack Broughton, codified his own set of rules, which were an important step towards cleaning up the sport. For example, low blows and hitting a fighter while he was down were banned. These rules continued to evolve and governed what is now known as the "bare-knuckle era".
1867 is an important date in boxing history as that is when the Marquess of Queensberry rules were drafted in London by John Chambers. These 12 rules, published under the patronage of the Marquess of Queensberry, ushered in the modern era of boxing. The rules specified such practices as a standard square ring, three minute rounds with one minute rest between rounds, and a ten second count for a knocked down fighter to rise to his feet. Equally important was the introduction of gloves which resulted in longer, more strategic bouts and, overall, a less brutal sport. The first "world" heavyweight champion under the new Queensberry Rules was crowned in 1892 when "Gentleman Jim" Corbett defeated John L. Sullivan in New Orleans.
In the 100+ years since the introduction of the Marquess of Queensbury rules, boxing has grown into one of the world's most popular sports, with fans and participants in virtual every country. Amateur boxing allows novice fighters to test their skills and gain experience. Amateur boxing was introduced as a modern Olympic sport for the first time in 1904. An Olympic Gold medal is the ultimate prize in amateur boxing and is often a springboard to a career in professional boxing.
Professional boxing, which tends to overshadow amateur boxing, has produced some of the biggest names and greatest events in the history of sports. Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya are just a few of the all-time greats who became internationally recognized as a result of their success in the ring.
Critics argue, perhaps accurately, that boxing is currently at a historical low point. Its fans, however, still see much to enjoy among the current crop of elite fighters and know it's only a matter of time before boxing's next transcendent superstar arrives on the scene.
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