Boxing: Difference between revisions

 

* {{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35927669|title=Inside the UK's white-collar cage fighting scene|work=BBC News |date=4 April 2016 |access-date=2016-04-05}}</ref> Taking place in a [[boxing ring]], it involves two people – usually wearing protective equipment, such as [[boxing glove|protective gloves]], [[hand wrap]]s, and [[mouthguard]]s – throwing [[Punch (combat)|punches]] at each other for a predetermined amount of time.

Although the term "boxing" is commonly attributed to western boxing, in which only fists are involved, it has developed in different ways in different geographical areas and cultures of the World. In global terms, "boxing" today is also a set of combat sports focused on [[Strike (attack)|striking]], in which two opponents face each other in a fight using at least their fists, and possibly involving other actions, such as [[kick]]s, [[Elbow (strike)|elbow strikes]], [[Knee (strike)|knee strikes]], and [[headbutt]]s, depending on the rules. Some of these variants are the [[bare-knuckle boxing]], [[kickboxing]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Lethwei]], [[savate]], and [[Sanda (sport)|sanda]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FaTfuuIlmqcC|title=Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation [2 Volumes]|first=Thomas A.|last=Green|date=11 June 2010|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://revpubli.unileon.es/ojs/index.php/artesmarciales/article/view/6|title=Una visión histórica de las artes marciales mixtas en China|first1=William|last1=Acevedo|first2=Mei|last2=Cheung|date=18 May 2011|journal=Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas|volume=6|issue=2|pages=29–44|via=revpubli.unileon.es|doi=10.18002/rama.v6i2.6|hdl=10612/16370|hdl-access=free}}</ref> Boxing techniques have been incorporated into many [[martial arts]], [[Military education and training|military systems]], and other combat sports.

Humans have engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] since the earliest days of human history. The origins of boxing in any of its forms as a sport remain uncertain,<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9DxDAQAAIAAJ|title=Symposium: Sports and the Law|date=18 May 2004|publisher=Stanford Law School|via=Google Books}}</ref> but some sources suggest that it has prehistoric roots in what is now [[Ethiopia]], emerging as early as the sixth millennium BC. It is believed that when the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptians]] invaded [[Nubia]], they adopted boxing from the local populace, subsequently popularizing it in Egypt. From there, the sport of boxing spread to various regions, including [[Ancient Greece|Greece]], eastward to [[Mesopotamia]], and northward to [[Roman Empire|Rome]].<ref name="archive.org">{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/azofworldboxinga0000blew|title=The A-Z of world boxing : an authoritative and entertaining compendium of the fight game from its origins to the present day|first=Bert|last=Blewett|date=18 May 2002|publisher=Parkwest, N.Y. : Robson Books|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>

The earliest visual evidence of any type of boxing is from Egypt and Sumer, both from the third millennia,<ref name="olympics.com">[https://olympics.com/en/sports/boxing/ Boxing equipment and history - Olympics]</ref> and can be seen in Sumerian carvings from the third and second millennia BC.<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ejmas.com/jcs/2010jcs/jcsart_murray_1007.html|title=Boxing Gloves of the Ancient World|website=ejmas.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://shedet.journals.ekb.eg/article_137664.html|title=EARLY EVIDENCE OF BOXING IN ANCIENT EGYPT AND MESOPOTAMIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY|first=Fawziah Abdullah|last=Mohamed|date=31 December 2020|journal=Shedet|volume=7|issue=7|pages=74–86|via=shedet.journals.ekb.eg|doi=10.21608/shedet.2020.137664|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bazhum.muzhp.pl/media/files/Ido_Movement_for_Culture_journal_of_martial_arts_anthropology_theory_of_culture_psychophysical_culture_cultural_tourism_anthropology_of_martial_arts_combat_sports/Ido_Movement_for_Culture_journal_of_martial_arts_anthropology_theory_of_culture_psychophysical_culture_cultural_tourism_anthropology_of_martial_arts_combat_sports-r2012-t12-n4/Ido_Movement_for_Culture_journal_of_martial_arts_anthropology_theory_of_culture_psychophysical_culture_cultural_tourism_anthropology_of_martial_arts_combat_sports-r2012-t12-n4-s20-25/Ido_Movement_for_Culture_journal_of_martial_arts_anthropology_theory_of_culture_psychophysical_culture_cultural_tourism_anthropology_of_martial_arts_combat_sports-r2012-t12-n4-s20-25.pdf|title=Bazhum - Brak Treści|website=bazhum.muzhp.pl}}</ref> The earliest evidence of boxing rules dates back to [[Ancient Greece]], where boxing was established as an [[Ancient Olympic Games|Olympic game]] in 688 BC.<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry"/> Boxing evolved from 16th- and 18th-century prizefights, largely in Great Britain, to the forerunner of modern boxing in the mid-19th century with the 1867 introduction of the [[Marquess of Queensberry Rules]].

[[Amateur boxing]] is both an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] and [[Commonwealth Games]] sport and is a standard fixture in most international games – it also has its world championships. Boxing is overseen by a [[referee (boxing)|referee]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Australia |first=Boxing |title=The Neutral Corner |url=https://www.boxing.org.au/officiating/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.boxing.org.au |language=en}}</ref> over a series of one-to-three-minute intervals called "rounds".

 

A winner can be resolved before the completion of the rounds when a referee deems an opponent incapable of continuing, disqualifies an opponent, or the opponent [[Submission (combat sports)|resigns]]. When the fight reaches the end of its final round with both opponents still standing, the [[Professional boxing#Scoring|judges' scorecards]] determine the victor. In case both fighters gain equal scores from the judges, a professional bout is considered a [[Tie (draw)|draw]]. In Olympic boxing, because a winner must be declared, judges award the contest to one fighter on technical criteria.

[[Strike (attack)|Hitting]] with different extremities of the body, such as [[kick]]s and [[Punch (combat)|punches]], as an act of human [[aggression]], has existed across the world throughout [[human history]], being a combat system as old as [[wrestling]]. However, in terms of [[sports competition]], due to the lack of [[writing]] in the [[Prehistory|prehistoric times]] and the lack of references, it is not possible to determine rules of any kind of boxing in prehistory, and in [[Ancient history|ancient times]] only can be inferred from the few intact sources and references to the sport.

The origin of the sport of boxing is unknown,<ref name="books.google.com"/> however according to some sources boxing in any of its forms has prehistoric origins in present-day [[Ethiopia]], where it appeared in the sixth millennium BC. When the Egyptians invaded [[Nubia]] they learned the art of boxing from the local population, and they took the sport to Egypt where it became popular. From Egypt, boxing spread to other countries including [[Greece]], eastward to Mesopotamia, and northward to Rome.<ref name="archive.org"/>

The earliest visual evidence of any type of boxing comes from [[Egypt]] and [[Sumer]] both from the third millennium BC.<ref name="olympics.com"/><ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry">{{cite encyclopedia |author=Michael Poliakoff |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-29781/boxing |title=Encyclopædia Britannica entry for Boxing |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |access-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> A relief sculpture from [[Egyptian Thebes]] ({{circa|1350 BC}}) shows both boxers and spectators.<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry" /> These early Middle-Eastern and Egyptian depictions showed contests where fighters were either bare-fisted or had a band supporting the wrist.<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry" /> The earliest evidence of use of gloves can be found in [[Minoan civilization|Minoan]] [[Crete]] ({{circa|1500}}–1400 BC).<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannicaEntry" />

Various types of boxing existed in [[ancient India]]. The earliest references to ''[[musti-yuddha]]'' come from [[Indian epic poetry|classical Vedic epics]] such as the ''[[Rig Veda]]'' (<abbr>c.</abbr> 1500–1000 BCE) and ''[[Ramayana]]'' (<abbr>c.</abbr> 700–400 BCE).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Draeger |first1=Donn F. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_o73NOjb4p4C |title=Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts |last2=Smith |first2=Robert W. |date=1980 |publisher=Kodansha International |isbn=978-0-87011-436-6 |language=en}}</ref> The ''[[Mahabharata]]'' describes two combatants boxing with clenched fists and fighting with kicks, finger strikes, knee strikes and headbutts during the time of King [[Virata]].<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04013.htm Section XIII: ''Samayapalana Parva''], Book 4: ''Virata Parva'', ''[[Mahabharata]]''.</ref> Duels (''niyuddham'') were often fought to the death. During the period of the [[Western Satraps]], the ruler [[Rudradaman]] – in addition to being well-versed in "the great sciences" which included [[Indian classical music]], [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit grammar]], and logic – was said to be an excellent horseman, charioteer, elephant rider, swordsman and boxer.<ref>{{cite book|title=India: A History|author=John Keay|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2000|isbn=978-0-00-255717-7|page=131|quote=[Rudradaman] was also a fine swordsman and boxer, and excellent horseman, charioteer and elephant-rider ... and far-famed for his knowledge of grammar, music, logic and 'other great sciences'.|author-link=John Keay}}</ref> The ''Gurbilas Shemi'', an 18th-century Sikh text, gives numerous references to ''musti-yuddha''. The martial art is related to other forms of martial arts found in other parts of the [[Greater India|Indian cultural sphere]] including [[Muay Thai]] in Thailand, [[Muay Lao]] in Laos, [[Pradal Serey]] in Cambodia and [[Lethwei]] in Myanmar.<ref name="DraegerComp">Draeger, Donn F. (1981). Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts. Kodansha International.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amruta |first=Patil |date=5 July 2022 |title=Musti Yuddha - Martial Arts in India- Art and Culture Notes |url=https://prepp.in/news/e-492-musti-yuddha-martial-arts-in-india-art-and-culture-notes |access-date=21 October 2022 |website=Prepp}}</ref>

In Ancient Greece boxing was a well developed sport called ''[[Ancient Greek boxing|pygmachia]]'', and enjoyed consistent popularity. In Olympic terms, it was first introduced in the 23rd [[Ancient Olympic Games|Olympiad]], 688 BC. The boxers would wind leather thongs around their hands in order to protect them. There were no rounds and boxers fought until one of them acknowledged defeat or could not continue. Weight categories were not used, which meant heavier fighters had a tendency to dominate. The style of boxing practiced typically featured an advanced left leg stance, with the left arm semi-extended as a guard, in addition to being used for striking, and with the right arm drawn back ready to strike. It was the head of the opponent which was primarily targeted, and there is little evidence to suggest that targeting the body or the use of kicks was common,<ref>Gardiner, E. Norman, 'Boxing' in ''Greek Athletic Sports and Festivals'', London: MacMillan, 1910, p.402, pp.415–416, 419–422</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/294973|jstor = 294973|title = The Evidence for Kicking in Greek Boxing|last1 = Crowther|first1 = Nigel B.|journal = The American Journal of Philology|year = 1990|volume = 111|issue = 2|pages = 176–181|doi = 10.2307/294973 | issn=0002-9475|url-access = subscription}}</ref> in which it resembled modern western boxing.

Boxing was a popular spectator sport in [[Ancient Rome]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Sports Spectators from Antiquity to the Renaissance|last1=Guttmann|first1=Allen|year=1981|volume=8|issue=2|journal=Journal of Sport History|url=http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/JSH/JSH1981/JSH0802/jsh0802b.pdf|access-date=11 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822123753/http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/JSH/JSH1981/JSH0802/jsh0802b.pdf|archive-date=22 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fighters protected their knuckles with leather strips wrapped around their fists. Eventually harder leather was used and the strips became a weapon. Metal studs were introduced to the strips to make the [[cestus]]. Fighting events were held at Roman [[amphitheatre]]s.

As the wearing of swords became less common, there was renewed interest in fencing with the fists. The sport later resurfaced in England during the early 16th century in the form of [[bare-knuckle boxing]], sometimes referred to as ''prizefighting''. The first documented account of a bare-knuckle fight in England appeared in 1681 in the ''London Protestant Mercury'', and the first English bare-knuckle champion was [[James Figg]] in 1719.<ref name="Roberts-1999">{{cite web |title=James Figg |url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/pioneer/figg.html |date=1999 |publisher=[[IBHOF]] |access-date=2018-03-22}} excerpting {{cite book |last1=Roberts |first1=James B. |last2=Skutt |first2=Alexander G. |title=The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aA2LO_DGdu4C |access-date=22 March 2018 |edition=4th |year=2006 |publisher=McBooks Press |location=Ithaca, N.Y. |isbn=978-1-59013-121-3|oclc=819715339}}</ref> This is also the time when the word "boxing" first came to be used. This earliest form of modern boxing was very different. Contests in Mr. Figg's time, in addition to fist fighting, also contained fencing and cudgeling. On 6 January 1681, the first recorded boxing match took place in Britain when [[Christopher Monck]], 2nd [[Duke of Albemarle]] (and later [[Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica]]), engineered a bout between his butler and his butcher with the latter winning the prize.

Early fighting had no written rules. There were no weight divisions or round limits, and no referee. In general, it was extremely chaotic. An early article on boxing was published in Nottingham in 1713, by [[Sir Thomas Parkyns, 2nd Baronet]], a wrestling patron from [[Bunny, Nottinghamshire]], who had practised the techniques he described. The article, a single page in his manual of wrestling and fencing, ''Progymnasmata: The inn-play, or Cornish-hugg wrestler'', described a system of headbutting, punching, eye-gouging, chokes, and hard throws, not recognized in boxing today.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx13m7QVfb1qa5yan.jpg |title=tumblr_lx13m7QVfb1qa5yan.jpg |publisher=Tumblr |access-date=16 January 2014}}</ref>

The first boxing rules, called the [[Broughton Rules]], were introduced by champion [[Jack Broughton]] in 1743 to protect fighters in the ring where deaths sometimes occurred.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eastlondonhistory.com/broughton+jack.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218094646/http://www.eastlondonhistory.com/broughton%20jack.htm|url-status=dead|title=NameBright - Coming Soon|archivedate=18 February 2008|website=www.eastlondonhistory.com}}</ref> Under these rules, if a man went down and could not continue after a count of 30 seconds, the fight was over. Hitting a downed fighter and grasping below the waist were prohibited. Broughton encouraged the use of "mufflers", a form of padded bandage or mitten, to be used in "jousting" or sparring sessions in training, and in exhibition matches.

These rules did allow the fighters an advantage not enjoyed by today's boxers; they permitted the fighter to drop to one knee to end the round and begin the 30-second count at any time. Thus a fighter realizing he was in trouble had an opportunity to recover. However, this was considered "unmanly"<ref>Anonymous ("A Celebrated Pugilist"), The Art and Practice of Boxing, 1825</ref> and was frequently disallowed by additional rules negotiated by the seconds of the boxers.<ref>Daniel Mendoza, The Modern Art of Boxing, 1790</ref> In modern boxing, there is a three-minute limit to rounds (unlike the downed fighter ends the round rule). Intentionally going down in modern boxing will cause the recovering fighter to lose points in the scoring system. Furthermore, as the contestants did not have heavy leather gloves and wristwraps to protect their hands, they used different punching technique to preserve their hands because the head was a common target to hit full out.{{dubious|date=August 2018}}{{citation needed|date=August 2018}} Almost all period manuals have powerful straight punches with the whole body behind them to the face (including forehead) as the basic blows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/8388742/sn/1178659240/name/blow-1.jpg |title=blow-1.jpg |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024213415/http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/8388742/sn/1178659240/name/blow-1.jpg |archive-date=24 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="defensive exercises">{{Cite web |title=Defensive Exercises. Page 45.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u98DAAAAQAAJ&q=boxing+by+donald+walker#v=snippet&q=Boxing&f=false

The British sportswriter [[Pierce Egan]] coined the term "the sweet science" as an epithet for prizefighting – or more fully "the sweet science of bruising" as a description of England's bare-knuckle fight scene in the early nineteenth century.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Bittersweet Science: Fifteen Writers in the Gym, in the Corner, and at Ringside |date=2017 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |page=3}}</ref>

Boxing could also be used to settle disputes even by females. In 1790 in Waddington, Lincolnshire Mary Farmery and Susanna Locker both laid claim to the affections of a young man; this produced a challenge from the former to fight for the prize, which was accepted by the latter. Proper sidesmen were chosen, and every matter conducted in form. After several knock-down blows on both sides, the battle ended in favour of Mary Farmery.<ref>{{cite news|title= Lincoln|newspaper= Stamford Mercury |date= 29 January 1790|page= 3}}</ref>

The [[London Prize Ring Rules]] introduced measures that remain in effect for professional boxing to this day, such as outlawing butting, gouging, scratching, kicking, hitting a man while down, holding the ropes, and using resin, stones or hard objects in the hands, and biting.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Regulation of Boxing: A History and Comparative Analysis of Policies Among American States|last=Rodriguez|first=Robert G.|publisher=McFarland|year=2009|isbn=9780786438624}}</ref>

In 1867, the [[Marquess of Queensberry rules]] were drafted by [[John Graham Chambers|John Chambers]] for amateur championships held at [[Lillie Bridge]] in London for [[lightweight]]s, [[middleweight]]s and [[heavyweight]]s. The rules were published under the patronage of the [[John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry|Marquess of Queensberry]], whose name has always been associated with them.

There were twelve rules in all, and they specified that fights should be "a fair stand-up boxing match" in a 24-foot-square or similar ring. Rounds were three minutes with one-minute rest intervals between rounds. Each fighter was given a ten-second count if he was knocked down, and wrestling was banned.

The introduction of [[boxing gloves|gloves]] of "fair-size" also changed the nature of the bouts. An average pair of boxing gloves resembles a bloated pair of mittens and are laced up around the wrists.<ref name="Marquess-of"/>

The gloves can be used to block an opponent's blows. As a result of their introduction, bouts became longer and more strategic with greater importance attached to defensive maneuvers such as slipping, bobbing, countering and angling. Because less defensive emphasis was placed on the use of the forearms and more on the gloves, the classical forearms outwards, torso leaning back stance of the bare knuckle boxer was modified to a more modern stance in which the torso is tilted forward and the hands are held closer to the face.

Through the late 19th century, the martial art of boxing or prizefighting was primarily a sport of dubious legitimacy. Outlawed in England and much of the United States, prizefights were often held at gambling venues and broken up by police.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/11/15/unlicensed_boxing_feature.shtml|title= London – History – Unlicensed Boxing |website=BBC |first1=Gary |last1=Holland |date=2008 |access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> Brawling and wrestling tactics continued, and riots at prizefights were common occurrences. Still, throughout this period, there arose some notable bare knuckle champions who developed fairly sophisticated fighting tactics.

The first world heavyweight champion under the Queensberry Rules was [[James J. Corbett|"Gentleman Jim" Corbett]], who defeated [[John L. Sullivan]] in 1892 at the Pelican Athletic Club in [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/corbett.htm |title=Jim Corbett |first1=Tracy |last1=Callis |publisher=Cyber Boxing Zone  |access-date=18 May 2012}}</ref>

The first instance of film censorship in the United States occurred in 1897 when several states banned the showing of prize fighting films from the state of Nevada,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orbach|first1=Barak|title=Prizefighting and the Birth of Movie Censorship|url=http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1348&context=yjlh|access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref> where it was legal at the time.

 

Throughout the early 20th century, boxers struggled to achieve legitimacy.<ref>{{cite news|author1-link=Michael J. Socolow|last1=Socolow |first1=Michael |title=Why boxing disappeared after the Rumble in the Jungle |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/10/29/why-boxing-disappeared-after-rumble-jungle-why-football-could-too/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> They were aided by the influence of promoters like [[Tex Rickard]] and the popularity of great champions such as John L. Sullivan.

The modern sport arose from illegal venues and outlawed prizefighting and has become a multibillion-dollar commercial enterprise. A majority of young talent still comes from poverty-stricken areas around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-31 |title=Information About Boxing: Definition, History, Rules & Types |url=https://sportycious.com/information-about-boxing-91362/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |language=en-US}}</ref> Places like Mexico, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe prove to be filled with young aspiring athletes who wish to become the future of boxing. Even in the U.S., places like the inner cities of New York, and Chicago have given rise to promising young talent. According to Rubin, "boxing lost its appeal with the American middle class, and most of who boxes in modern America come from the streets and are street fighters".<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rubin|first=Louis D.|date=2000|title=The Manly art of Modified Mayhem: Dempsey and Others|jstor=27548887|journal=The Sewanee Review|volume=108|issue=3|pages=412–432}}</ref>

A bout in which the predetermined number of rounds passes is decided by the judges, and is said to "go the distance". The fighter with the higher score at the end of the fight is ruled the winner. With three judges, unanimous and split decisions are possible, as are draws. A boxer may win the bout before a decision is reached through a knock-out; such bouts are said to have ended "inside the distance". If a fighter is knocked down during the fight, determined by whether the boxer touches the canvas floor of the ring with any part of their body other than the feet as a result of the opponent's punch and not a slip, as determined by the referee, the referee begins counting until the fighter returns to their feet and can continue. Some jurisdictions [[Mandatory eight count|require the referee to count to eight]] regardless of if the fighter gets up before.

[[File:Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Pattersson 1959.JPG|thumb|[[Ingemar Johansson]] of Sweden knockouts heavyweight champion [[Floyd Patterson]] on 26 June 1959]]

{{Main| Professional boxing}}

Professional bouts are usually much longer than amateur bouts, typically ranging from ten to twelve rounds, though four-round fights are common for less experienced fighters or club fighters. There are also some two- and three-round professional bouts, especially in Australia. Through the early 20th century, it was common for fights to have unlimited rounds, ending only when one fighter quit, benefiting high-energy fighters like [[Jack Dempsey]]. Fifteen rounds remained the internationally recognized limit for championship fights for most of the 20th century until the [[Boxing in the 1980s|early 1980s]], when the death of boxer [[Kim Duk-koo]] eventually prompted the [[World Boxing Council]] and other organizations sanctioning professional boxing to reduce the limit to twelve rounds.

"Style" is often defined as the strategic approach a fighter takes during a bout. No two fighters' styles are alike, as each is determined by that individual's physical and mental attributes. Three main styles exist in boxing: outside fighter ("boxer"), brawler (or "slugger"), and inside fighter ("swarmer"). These styles may be divided into several special subgroups, such as counter puncher, etc. The main philosophy of the styles is, that each style has an advantage over one, but disadvantage over the other one. It follows the [[rock paper scissors]] scenario – boxer beats brawler, brawler beats swarmer, and swarmer beats boxer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingtrainingfitness.com/strategy/the-science-of-boxing-styles.html |title=The Science of Boxing Styles |publisher=Boxing Training Fitness |access-date=4 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112045101/http://www.boxingtrainingfitness.com/strategy/the-science-of-boxing-styles.html |archive-date=2012-01-12}}</ref>

A classic "boxer" or stylist (also known as an "out-fighter") seeks to maintain distance between himself and his opponent, fighting with faster, longer range punches, most notably the jab, and gradually wearing his opponent down. Due to this reliance on weaker punches, out-fighters tend to win by point decisions rather than by knockout, though some out-fighters have notable knockout records. They are often regarded as the best boxing strategists due to their ability to control the pace of the fight and lead their opponent, methodically wearing him down and exhibiting more skill and finesse than a brawler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxingbeginners.com/how_to_box_styles.php|title=Learn about the different boxing styles. BoxingBeginners.com, the main source of Boxing for Beginners, learn how to box!|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311194656/http://boxingbeginners.com/how_to_box_styles.php|archive-date=11 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Out-fighters need reach, hand speed, reflexes, and footwork.

Notable out-fighters include [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Larry Holmes]], [[Joe Calzaghe]], [[Wilfredo Gómez]], [[Salvador Sánchez]], [[Cecilia Brækhus]], [[Gene Tunney]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.162</ref> [[Ezzard Charles]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.254</ref> [[Willie Pep]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.384</ref> [[Meldrick Taylor]], [[Ricardo López (boxer)|Ricardo "Finito" López]], [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]], [[Roy Jones Jr.]], [[Sugar Ray Leonard]], [[Miguel Vázquez]], [[Sergio Martínez (boxer)|Sergio "Maravilla" Martínez]], [[Wladimir Klitschko]] and [[Guillermo Rigondeaux]]. This style was also used by fictional boxer [[Apollo Creed]].

=====Boxer-puncher=====

Notable boxer-punchers include Muhammad Ali, [[Canelo Álvarez]], Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr., Wladimir Klitschko, [[Vasyl Lomachenko]], [[Lennox Lewis]], [[Joe Louis]],<ref>James Roberts, [[Roberto Durán]] and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.337</ref> Wilfredo Gómez, [[Oscar De La Hoya]], [[Archie Moore]], [[Miguel Cotto]], [[Nonito Donaire]], [[Sam Langford]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.120</ref> [[Henry Armstrong]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, Joe Frazier, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.204</ref> [[Sugar Ray Robinson]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.403</ref> [[Tony Zale]], [[Carlos Monzón]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.353,</ref> [[Alexis Argüello]], [[Érik Morales]], [[Terry Norris (boxer)|Terry Norris]], [[Marco Antonio Barrera]], [[Naseem Hamed]], [[Thomas Hearns]], [[Julian Jackson (boxer)|Julian Jackson]] and [[Gennady Golovkin]].

 

 

 

Counter punchers usually wear their opponents down by causing them to miss their punches. The more the opponent misses, the faster they tire, and the psychological effects of being unable to land a hit will start to sink in. The counter puncher often tries to outplay their opponent entirely, not just in a physical sense, but also in a mental and emotional sense. This style can be incredibly difficult, especially against seasoned fighters, but winning a fight without getting hit is often worth the pay-off. They usually try to stay away from the center of the ring, in order to outmaneuver and chip away at their opponents. A large advantage in counter-hitting is the forward momentum of the attacker, which drives them further into your return strike. As such, knockouts are more common than one would expect from a defensive style.

[[File:George Foreman 2009.jpg|thumb|[[George Foreman]], a two-time heavyweight champion and former Olympic gold medalist, in 2009]]

A brawler is a fighter who generally lacks finesse and footwork in the ring, but makes up for it through sheer punching power. Many brawlers tend to lack mobility, preferring a less mobile, more stable platform and have difficulty pursuing fighters who are fast on their feet. They may also have a tendency to ignore combination punching in favor of continuous beat-downs with one hand and by throwing slower, more powerful single punches (such as hooks and uppercuts). Their slowness and predictable punching pattern (single punches with obvious leads) often leaves them open to counter punches, so successful brawlers must be able to absorb a substantial amount of punishment. However, not all brawler/slugger fighters are not mobile; some can move around and switch styles if needed but still have the brawler/slugger style such as Wilfredo Gómez, Prince Naseem Hamed and [[Danny Garcia (boxer)|Danny García]].

A brawler's most important assets are power and chin (the ability to absorb punishment while remaining able to continue boxing). Examples of this style include [[George Foreman]], [[Rocky Marciano]], [[Jack Dempsey]], [[Riddick Bowe]], Danny García, Wilfredo Gómez, [[Sonny Liston]], John L. Sullivan, [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max Baer]], Prince Naseem Hamed, [[Ray Mancini]], [[David Tua]], [[Arturo Gatti]], [[Micky Ward]], [[Brandon Ríos]], [[Ruslan Provodnikov]], [[Michael Katsidis]], [[James Kirkland (boxer)|James Kirkland]], [[Marcos Maidana]], Vitali Klitschko, [[Jake LaMotta]], [[Manny Pacquiao]], and Ireland's [[John Duddy]]. This style of boxing was also used by fictional boxers [[Rocky Balboa]] and [[Clubber Lang|James "Clubber" Lang]].

In-fighters/swarmers (sometimes called "pressure fighters") attempt to stay close to an opponent, throwing intense flurries and combinations of [[Hook (boxing)|hooks]] and uppercuts. Mainly Mexican, Irish, Irish-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American boxers popularized this style. A successful in-fighter often needs a good "[[chin (boxing)|chin]]" because swarming usually involves being hit with many [[jab]]s before they can maneuver inside where they are more effective. In-fighters operate best at close range because they are generally shorter and have less reach than their opponents and thus are more effective at a short distance where the longer arms of their opponents make punching awkward. However, several fighters tall for their division have been relatively adept at in-fighting as well as out-fighting.

The essence of a swarmer is non-stop aggression. Many short in-fighters use their stature to their advantage, employing a bob-and-weave defense by bending at the waist to slip underneath or to the sides of incoming punches. Unlike blocking, causing an opponent to miss a punch disrupts his balance, this permits forward movement past the opponent's extended arm and keeps the hands free to counter. A distinct advantage that in-fighters have is when throwing uppercuts, they can channel their entire bodyweight behind the punch; [[Mike Tyson]] was famous for throwing devastating uppercuts. [[Marvin Hagler]] was known for his hard "chin", punching power, body attack and the stalking of his opponents. Some in-fighters, like Mike Tyson, have been known for being notoriously hard to hit. The key to a swarmer is aggression, endurance, chin, and bobbing-and-weaving.

Notable in-fighters include [[Henry Armstrong]], [[Aaron Pryor]], Julio César Chávez, Jack Dempsey, [[Shawn Porter]], Miguel Cotto, [[Gennady Golovkin]], [[Joe Frazier]], Danny García, [[Mike Tyson]], Manny Pacquiao, [[Rocky Marciano]],<ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.75</ref> [[Wayne McCullough]], [[James J. Braddock|James Braddock]], [[Gerry Penalosa]], [[Harry Greb]],<ref>James Roberts, Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.98, 99</ref><ref>James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, ''The Boxing Register'', 1999, p.339, 340</ref> [[David Tua]], [[James Toney]] and [[Ricky Hatton]].

{{unreferenced-section|date=June 2024}}

There is a generally accepted rule of thumb about the success each of these boxing styles has against the others. In general, an in-fighter has an advantage over an out-fighter, an out-fighter has an advantage over a brawler, and a brawler has an advantage over an in-fighter; these form a cycle with each style being stronger relative to one, and weaker relative to another, with none dominating, as in rock paper scissors. Naturally, many other factors, such as the skill level and training of the combatants, determine the outcome of a fight, but the widely held belief in this relationship among the styles is embodied in the cliché amongst boxing fans and writers that "styles make fights".

Brawlers tend to overcome swarmers or in-fighters because, in trying to get close to the slugger, the in-fighter will invariably have to walk straight into the guns of the much harder-hitting brawler, so, unless the former has a very good chin and the latter's stamina is poor, the brawler's superior power will carry the day. A famous example of this type of match-up advantage would be George Foreman's knockout victory over Joe Frazier in their original bout "The Sunshine Showdown".

The boxer or out-fighter tends to be most successful against a brawler, whose slow speed (both hand and foot) and poor technique makes him an easy target to hit for the faster out-fighter. The out-fighter's main concern is to stay alert, as the brawler only needs to land one good punch to finish the fight. If the out-fighter can avoid those power punches, he can often wear the brawler down with fast jabs, tiring him out. If he is successful enough, he may even apply extra pressure in the later rounds in an attempt to achieve a knockout. Most classic boxers, such as Muhammad Ali, enjoyed their best successes against sluggers.

Since boxing involves forceful, repetitive punching, precautions must be taken to prevent [[Boxer's fracture|damage to bones in the hand]]. Most trainers do not allow boxers to train and spar without [[wrist wraps]] and [[boxing gloves]]. Hand wraps are used to secure the bones in the hand, and the gloves are used to protect the hands from blunt injury, allowing boxers to throw punches with more force than if they did not use them. Gloves have been required in competition since the late nineteenth century, though modern boxing gloves are much heavier than those worn by early twentieth-century fighters. Prior to a bout, both boxers agree upon the weight of gloves to be used in the bout, with the understanding that lighter gloves allow heavy punchers to inflict more damage. The brand of gloves can also affect the impact of punches, so this too is usually stipulated before a bout. Both sides are allowed to inspect the wraps and gloves of the opponent to help ensure both are within agreed upon specifications and no tampering has taken place.

The modern boxing stance differs substantially from the typical boxing stances of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The modern stance has a more upright vertical-armed guard, as opposed to the more horizontal, knuckles-facing-forward guard adopted by early 20th century hook users such as [[Jack Johnson (boxer)|Jack Johnson]].

'''Upright stance''' – In a fully upright stance, the boxer stands with the legs shoulder-width apart and the rear foot a half-step in front of the lead man. Right-handed or orthodox boxers lead with the left foot and fist (for most penetration power). Both feet are parallel, and the right heel is off the ground. The lead (left) fist is held vertically about six inches in front of the face at eye level. The rear (right) fist is held beside the chin and the elbow tucked against the ribcage to protect the body. The chin is tucked into the chest to avoid punches to the jaw which commonly cause knock-outs and is often kept slightly off-[[Centerline theory (boxing)|center]]. Wrists are slightly bent to avoid damage when punching and the elbows are kept tucked in to protect the ribcage.  

Different stances allow for bodyweight to be differently positioned and emphasised; this may in turn alter how powerfully and explosively a type of punch can be delivered. For instance, a crouched stance allows for the bodyweight to be positioned further forward over the lead left leg. If a lead left hook is thrown from this position, it will produce a powerful springing action in the lead leg and produce a more explosive punch. This springing action could not be generated effectively, for this punch, if an upright stance was used or if the bodyweight was positioned predominantly over the back leg.<ref>Dempsey, Jack, 'Stance' in ''Championship Fighting Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense'', 1950</ref> Mike Tyson was a keen practitioner of a crouched stance and this style of power punching. The preparatory positioning of the bodyweight over the bent lead leg is also known as an [[Isometric exercise#Isometric presses as preparation for explosive power movements|isometric preload]].

|title=Establishing an Inside Foot Positionin the Open Stance}}</ref><ref name="southpaw">{{Cite web|url= https://dynamicstriking.com/blogs/news/southpaw-boxing-stance?srsltid=AfmBOoq1gw9atnedbW-fY4R-N6Lzle3A33vItxXK6wrEQlmmWUJuLe0s|title=Southpaw Boxing Stance}}</ref><ref name="orthodox">{{Cite web|url= https://spartansboxing.com/blog/orthodox-vs-southpaw/|title=Orthodox vs. Southpaw}}</ref> Left-handed or southpaw fighters use a mirror image of the orthodox stance, which can create problems for orthodox fighters unaccustomed to receiving jabs, hooks, or crosses from the opposite side. The [[southpaw stance]], conversely, is vulnerable to a straight right hand.

'''Open stance''' - refers to when one fighter is in an orthodox stance and the other is in a southpaw stance.<ref name="inside"/><ref name="southpaw"/><ref name="orthodox"/>  

'''Square stance''' – North American fighters tend to favor a more balanced stance, facing the opponent almost squarely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dieselgym.co.uk/the-pros-and-cons-of-stances/ |title=The Pros and Cons of Stances}}</ref><ref name="boxing">{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingdaily.com/boxing-news/boxing-stances/ |title=Boxing Stances}}</ref>

'''Bladed stance''' – many European fighters stand with their torso turned more to the side. The positioning of the hands may also vary, as some fighters prefer to have both hands raised in front of the face, risking exposure to body shots.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dieselgym.co.uk/the-pros-and-cons-of-stances/ |title=The Pros and Cons of Stances}}</ref><ref name="boxing">{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingdaily.com/boxing-news/boxing-stances/ |title=Boxing Stances}}</ref>

There are four basic punches in boxing: the [[jab]], [[Cross (boxing)|cross]], [[Hook (boxing)|hook]] and [[uppercut]]. Any punch other than a jab is considered a power punch. If a boxer is right-handed (orthodox), their left hand is the lead hand and his right hand is the rear hand. For a left-handed boxer or southpaw, the hand positions are reversed. For clarity, the following assumes a right-handed boxer.

* '''Jab''' – A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position. The jab extends from the side of the torso and typically does not pass in front of it. It is accompanied by a small, clockwise rotation of the torso and hips, while the fist rotates 90 degrees, becoming horizontal upon impact. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder can be brought up to guard the chin. The rear hand remains next to the face to guard the jaw. After making contact with the target, the lead hand is retracted quickly to resume a guard position in front of the face.

** The jab is recognized as the most important punch in a boxer's arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least space for a counter punch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, harass an opponent, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power. Some notable boxers who have been able to develop relative power in their jabs and use it to punish or wear down their opponents to some effect include Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko.

* '''Cross''' – A powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated counter-clockwise as the cross is thrown. A measure of an ideally extended cross is that the shoulder of the striking arm, the knee of the front leg and the ball of the front foot are on the same vertical plane.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patterson|first=Jeff|title=Boxing for Fitness: Straight Right|url=http://nwfighting.com/fitnessboxing.html|work=nwfighting.com|publisher=Northwest Fighting Arts|access-date=12 March 2014}}</ref>

** Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer give the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counter punch a jab, aiming for the opponent's head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross is also called a "straight" or "right", especially if it does not cross the opponent's outstretched jab.

** At the same time, the knees push upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotate anti-clockwise and the rear heel turns outward, mimicking the body movement of the cross. The strategic utility of the uppercut depends on its ability to "lift" an opponent's body, setting it off-balance for successive attacks. The right uppercut followed by a left hook is a deadly combination employing the uppercut to lift an opponent's chin into a vulnerable position, then the hook to knock the opponent out.

These different punch types can be thrown in rapid succession to form combinations or "combos". The most common is the jab and cross combination, nicknamed the "one-two combo". This is usually an effective combination, because the jab blocks the opponent's view of the cross, making it easier to land cleanly and forcefully.

A large, swinging circular punch starting from a cocked-back position with the arm at a longer extension than the hook and all of the fighter's weight behind it is sometimes referred to as a "roundhouse", "haymaker", "overhand", or sucker-punch. Relying on body weight and centripetal force within a wide arc, the roundhouse can be a powerful blow, but it is often a wild and uncontrolled punch that leaves the fighter delivering it off balance and with an open guard.

Both the hook and uppercut may be thrown with both hands, resulting in differing footwork and positioning from that described above if thrown by the other hand. Generally the analogous opposite is true of the footwork and torso movement.

===Defense===

There are several basic maneuvers a boxer can use in order to evade or block punches, depicted and discussed below.

File:Bloc épaule1.jpg|''[[Crab Defense (boxing style)#Shoulder_roll|Shoulder roll]]''</gallery>

* '''Slip''' – [[Slipping]] rotates the body slightly so that an incoming punch passes harmlessly next to the head. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer sharply rotates the hips and shoulders. This turns the chin sideways and allows the punch to "slip" past. Muhammad Ali was famous for extremely fast and close slips, as was an early Mike Tyson.

* '''Sway or fade''' – To anticipate a punch and move the upper body or head back so that it misses or has its force appreciably lessened. Also called "rolling with the punch" or " Riding The Punch.

* '''Bob and weave''' – [[Bobbing (boxing)|Bobbing]] moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Once the punch has been evaded, the boxer "weaves" back to an upright position, emerging on either the outside or inside of the opponent's still-extended arm. To move outside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the outside". To move inside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the inside". Joe Frazier, Jack Dempsey, Mike Tyson and Rocky Marciano were masters of bobbing and weaving.

* '''Parry/block''' – [[Parrying]] or [[Blocking (martial arts)|blocking]] uses the boxer's shoulder, hands or arms as defensive tools to protect against incoming attacks. A block generally receives a punch while a parry tends to deflect it. A "palm", "catch", or "cuff" is a defence which intentionally takes the incoming punch on the palm portion of the defender's glove.

* '''Cover-up''' – Covering up is the last opportunity (other than rolling with a punch) to avoid an incoming strike to an unprotected face or body. Generally speaking, the hands are held high to protect the head and chin and the forearms are tucked against the torso to impede body shots. When protecting the body, the boxer rotates the hips and lets incoming punches "roll" off the guard. To protect the head, the boxer presses both fists against the front of the face with the forearms parallel and facing outwards. This type of guard is weak against attacks from below.

* '''Clinch''' – [[grappling position#Stand-up positions|Clinch]]ing is a form of [[Trapping (martial arts)|trapping]] or a rough form of [[grappling]] and occurs when the distance between both fighters has closed and straight punches cannot be employed. In this situation, the boxer attempts to [[grappling hold|hold]] or "tie up" the opponent's hands so he is unable to throw hooks or [[uppercut]]s. To perform a clinch, the boxer loops both hands around the outside of the opponent's shoulders, scooping back under the forearms to grasp the opponent's arms tightly against his own body. In this position, the opponent's arms are pinned and cannot be used to attack. [[Clinching position|Clinching]] is a temporary match state and is quickly dissipated by the referee. Clinching is technically against the rules, and in amateur fights points are deducted fairly quickly for it. It is unlikely, however, to see points deducted for a clinch in professional boxing.

There are 4 main '''defensive positions (guards or styles)''' used in boxing:

'''[[Peek-a-Boo (boxing style)|Peek-a-Boo]]''' — a defensive style often used by a fighter where the hands are placed in front of the boxer's face,<ref name="auto"/> like in the babies' game of the same name. It offers extra protection to the face and makes it easier to jab the opponent's face.  Peek-a-Boo boxing was developed by legendary trainer [[Cus D'Amato]]. Peek-a-Boo boxing utilizes relaxed hands with the forearms in front of the face and the fist at nose-eye level. Other unique features includes side to side head movements, bobbing, weaving and blind siding your opponent. The number system e.g. 3-2-3-Body-head-body or 3-3-2 Body-Body-head is drilled with a stationary dummy called the "Willie bag", named by Cus after boxer Willie Pastrano, until the fighter is able to punch rapid combinations with what D'Amato called "bad intentions." The theory behind the style is that when combined with effective bobbing and weaving head movement, the fighter has a very strong defense and becomes more elusive, able to throw hooks and uppercuts with great effectiveness. Also it allows swift neck movements as well quick duckings and bad returning damage, usually by rising uppercuts or even rising hooks.<ref name="Argo"/> Since it is a defense designed for close range fighting, it is mainly used by in-fighters. [[Bobo Olson]] was the first known champion to use this as a defense.

'''[[Crab Defense (boxing style)|Crab Style]]''' guards include:

'''[[Crab Defense (boxing style)#Cross-armed_guard|Cross-armed guard]]''' (sometimes known as the armadillo) - the forearms are placed on top of each other horizontally in front of the face with the glove of one arm being on the top of the elbow of the other arm. This style is greatly varied when the back hand (right for an orthodox fighter and left for a southpaw) rises vertically. This style is the most effective for reducing head damage. The only head punch that a fighter is susceptible to is a jab to the top of the head. The body is open, but most fighters who use this style bend and lean to protect the body, but while upright and unaltered the body is there to be hit. This position is very difficult to counterpunch from, but virtually eliminates all head damage.

'''[[Crab Defense (boxing style)#Reverse_cross-armed_guard|Reverse cross-armed guard]]''' - The forearms can be placed on top of each other horizontally or diagonally in front of the face with the lead arm (left for an orthodox fighter and right for a southpaw) being on the top of the rear arm with lead glove over the rear shoulder. The position of the lead arm (left for an orthodox fighter and right for a southpaw) is greatly varied when it rises vertically.<ref name="reverse cross">{{Cite web |title=Gene Fullmer Reverse Cross Guard Defense|url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tom-yankello-5bb88816_how-to-use-the-reverse-cross-guard-defense-activity-6988973439847956480-vKXH|access-date=25 April 2025}}</ref>

'''[[Crab Defense (boxing style)#Philly_shell_or_Michigan_Defense|Philly Shell or Michigan Defense]]''' — This is a variation of the cross-arm. The lead arm (left for an orthodox fighter and right for a southpaw) is placed across the torso usually somewhere in between the belly button and chest and the lead hand rests on the opposite side of the fighter's torso. The back hand is placed on the side of the face (right side for orthodox fighters and left side for southpaws). The lead shoulder is brought in tight against the side of the face (left side for orthodox fighters and right side for southpaws). This style is used by fighters who like to counterpunch. To execute this guard a fighter must be very athletic and experienced. This style is so effective for counterpunching because it allows fighters to slip punches by rotating and dipping their upper body and causing blows to glance off the fighter. After the punch glances off, the fighter's back hand is in perfect position to hit their out-of-position opponent. The weakness to this style is that when a fighter is stationary and not rotating they are open to be hit so a fighter must be athletic and well conditioned to effectively execute this style. To beat this style, fighters like to jab their opponents shoulder causing the shoulder and arm to be in pain and to demobilize that arm. But if mastered and perfected it can be an effective way to play defense in the sport of boxing.

'''[[Long Guards (boxing style)|Long guards]]''' also knows as Extended Guards include:

'''[[Long Guards (boxing style)#Mummy_guard|Mummy Guard]]''' is a boxing stance where both arms are extended with slightly bent elbows and palms facing the opponent, while the chin is tucked and shoulders are raised for protection. This guard allows fighters to block their opponent's vision and smother jabs, particularly against Classic or Peek-a-boo guards, though it is less effective against low-hand styles like the Crab Guards. Taller fighters benefit from this stance as it discourages hooks and uppercuts, while shorter fighters can adjust by raising their shoulders and tucking elbows. However, the Mummy Guard limits power punches since strikes require retracting the arms first, telegraphing movements and leaving the lead side vulnerable. Additionally, opponents can exploit lateral movement to close the distance and land punches before the extended arms can react.

'''[[Long Guards (boxing style)#Classic_long_guard|Classic Long Guard]]''' - The is a hybrid guard that combines the extended lead arm of the mummy guard with the rear hand in a classic guard, typically positioned at a 90-degree angle near the face. Advantages include the lead hand controls distance, blocks vision, parries, traps hands, and frames. The rear hand remains ready for power punches and defends against hooks. Disadvantages include a weak passive defense against uppercuts and straights that bypass the lead arm. Powerful lead hooks and uppercuts are harder to throw since the arm must retract first, telegraphing the punch. It exposes the lead side of the body and allows opponents to gauge reach and distance easily. 

'''[[Long Guards (boxing style)#Dracula_guard|Dracula Guard]]''' - A hybrid boxing guard that combines elements of the extended lead arm of the Mummy guard and the rear hand in a Cross Guard positioned for defense. Named for its resemblance to Dracula hiding behind a cape, it uses the lead arm to block vision, control distance, parry, and trap hands, while the rear hand remains ready for power punches and defense. Advantages include that it is good for obscuring vision and setting up traps. Allows quick jabs and rear hand power punches. Protects against straight punches, hooks, and uppercuts. Disadvantages include it limits powerful lead hooks and uppercuts as it requires pulling the arm back first, telegraphing the strike. Exposes the lead side of the body and makes reach more predictable.

'''[[Classic Guards (boxing style)|Classic Guards]]''' or Basic Guards include:

'''[[Classic Guards (boxing style)#Traditional_guard|Traditional Guard]]''' - This guard involves bending both arms at 90 degrees or less, with the lead arm extended slightly away from the head and the rear fist held near the chin or jaw. This guard offers passive defense against hooks by using the gloves, forearms, and elbows to block, while the bent-arm position allows for powerful punches and better visibility. However, it leaves the centerline exposed, requiring quick reflexes and active defense, like parries, against straight punches and uppercuts, which can be difficult to master due to the need for specific blocking. The guard also limits close-range effectiveness and lateral movement, as the high hand position makes punches more predictable, and reliance on blocking with the hands can delay counterpunching opportunities.

'''[[Classic Guards (boxing style)#Conventional_Guard|Conventional Guard]]''' - This guard involves holding both arms bent at 90 degrees or less, with the lead arm guarding the side of the head and the rear fist near the face or chin, offering passive defense against hooks by using gloves and elbows while enabling powerful punches due to the bent-arm position. It benefits fighters with slower reflexes by keeping hands closer for quicker blocks and parries but limits visibility and leaves the centerline exposed, requiring active defense against straight punches and uppercuts. It lacks redundant defense lines, relying heavily on hand blocks, which can delay counterpunches and make fighters vulnerable to hand traps, framing, and predictable punches. Mastering this guard demands high defensive specificity despite its initial ease of learning.

'''[[Classic Guards (boxing style)#High_Guard|High Guard]]''' - This guard involves bending both arms at 90 degrees or less, positioning the gloves in front of the face at eyebrow level, with hands resembling holding binoculars or making a heart shape, with raised shoulders to protect the jaw and elbows pressed together to block uppercuts. Its advantages include ease of learning, passive defense against straight punches, uppercuts, and hooks, and better power generation due to bent arms, while also protecting the centerline. However, it limits visibility, allows opponents to close distance more easily, and exposes the lower body to attacks, relying heavily on forearm blocking, which can cause cumulative damage. Additionally, it offers only one line of defense, makes counterpunching slower, and leaves fighters vulnerable to hand traps, framing, and split guards, though skilled boxers can bait opponents into counterattacks.

* '''Rope-a-dope''' : Used by Muhammad Ali in his 1974 "[[the Rumble in the Jungle]]" bout against George Foreman, the rope-a-dope method involves lying back against the ropes, covering up defensively as much as possible and allowing the opponent to attempt numerous punches. The back-leaning posture, which does not cause the defending boxer to become as unbalanced as he would during normal backward movement, also maximizes the distance of the defender's head from his opponent, increasing the probability that punches will miss their intended target. Weathering the blows that do land, the defender lures the opponent into expending energy while conserving his/her own. If successful, the attacking opponent will eventually tire, creating defensive flaws which the boxer can exploit. In modern boxing, the [[rope-a-dope]] is generally discouraged since most opponents are not fooled by it and few boxers possess the physical toughness to withstand a prolonged, unanswered assault. Recently,{{when|date=May 2022}} however, [[Octuple champion|eight-division world champion]] Manny Pacquiao skillfully used the strategy to gauge the power of welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto in November 2009. Pacquiao followed up the rope-a-dope gambit with a withering knockdown. Tyson Fury also attempted this against Francesco Pianeto but did not pull it off as smoothly.

Participating in boxing causes physical injuries. Injuries to the head are most commonly experienced by participants.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Walsh |first=Kevin |date=1994-01-01 |title=Boxing: Regulating a Health Hazard |url=https://scholarship.law.edu/jchlp/vol11/iss1/7/ |journal=Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1985-2015) |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=63–84 |issn=0882-1046}}</ref> [[List of deaths due to injuries sustained in boxing|Deaths of boxers during or after a bout]] from injuries received in the ring do occur. A 2011 study of bouts from 1890 and 2011 calculated an average death rate of 13 participants per year, for the years studied.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morse |first=Ben |date=2019-10-17 |title=Each year, 13 boxers on average die in the ring |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/17/sport/boxing-deaths-patrick-day-spt-intl-trnd/index.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> An Australian study from 2022 found that efforts passed to improve safety in the sport in 2011 were unsuccessful at preventing deaths of participants in the sport.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-02-22 |title=Boxing deaths show safety rules are not enough: new study |url=https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/february-2022/Boxing-deaths-show-safety-rules-are-not-enough-new-study |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=The Lighthouse |language=en-au}}</ref>

Knocking a person unconscious or even causing a [[concussion]] may cause permanent [[brain damage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/363957.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020918102719/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/363957.stm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 September 2002|title=Boxing: The health risks|access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref> There is no clear division between the force required to knock a person out and the force likely to kill a person.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Carter |first1=Neil |date=June 2006 |title=Better and Safer Boxing: Ringside and Boardroom Medical Control of Boxing Careers in the Twentieth Century |url=https://www.dora.dmu.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/2086/4437 |access-date=22 September 2014 |hdl-access=free |website=Dora.dmu.ac.uk |hdl=2086/4437 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104165151/https://dora.dmu.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/2086/4437 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, contact sports, especially combat sports, are directly related to a brain disease called [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]], abbreviated as CTE. This disease begins to develop during the life of the athlete, and continues to develop even after sports activity has ceased.

In March 1981, neurosurgeon Fred Sonstein sought to use CAT scans in an attempt to track the degeneration of boxers' cognitive functions after seeing the decline of [[Bennie Briscoe]].<ref>{{cite news |date=24 March 1981|title=Sports People: Inside boxer's head|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |page=2D}}</ref> From 1980 to 2007, more than 200 amateur boxers, professional boxers and [[Toughman Contest|Toughman]] fighters died due to ring or training injuries.<ref>Svinth, Joseph R. [http://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_svinth_a_0700.htm "Death Under the Spotlight"] ''Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences'', Accessed 25 November 2007</ref> In 1983, editorials in the ''Journal of the [[American Medical Association]]'' called for a ban on boxing.<ref>John Noble Wilford (14 January 1983). "Physicians' Journal Calls for a Ban on Boxing". The New York Times. pp. A1, A23. Editorials in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association urged the banning of boxing in light of new evidence suggesting the chronic brain damage was prevalent among fighters ... New evidence of the correlation between boxing and brain damage was reported in the journal by a team of Ohio doctors, led by Dr. [[Ronald J. Ross]], a radiologist in Mayfield Heights, Ohio ... [The AMA] concluded that for the time being [banning boxing] 'is not a realistic solution.' Instead, urging stricter medical supervision of the sport, it recommended establishment of a National Registry of Boxers ... Another recommendation was that all states provide for a ringside physician who would be 'authorized to stop any bout'.</ref> The editor, George Lundberg, called boxing an "obscenity" that "should not be sanctioned by any civilized society".<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lundberg |first=George D. |title= Boxing should be banned in civilized countries |volume=249 |issue=2 |journal=Journal of the American Medical Association |year= 1983 |pages= 249–250 |publisher=Jama.jamanetwork.com|doi=10.1001/jama.1983.03330260068037 }}</ref> Since then, the British,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bma.org.uk/health_promotion_ethics/sports_exercise/BoxingPU.jsp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208211719/http://www.bma.org.uk/health_promotion_ethics/sports_exercise/BoxingPU.jsp|url-status=dead|title=Boxing - the BMA's position - The British Medical Association|first=CN=Richard|last=Cohen/OU=Secretariat/O=BMA|archivedate=8 February 2011|website=www.bma.org.uk}}</ref> Canadian<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/cma-wants-to-ban-boxing-1.223547 |title=CMA wants to ban boxing |date=19 December 2000 |publisher=CBC Sports}}</ref> and Australian<ref>{{cite web|author=Australian Medical Association |url=https://ama.com.au/ |title=CMA.ca |publisher=Ama.com.au |access-date=18 May 2012}}</ref> Medical Associations have called for bans on boxing.

Supporters of the ban state that boxing is the only sport where hurting the other athlete is the goal. Bill O'Neill, boxing spokesman for the [[British Medical Association]], has supported the BMA's proposed ban on boxing: "It is the only sport where the intention is to inflict serious injury on your opponent, and we feel that we must have a total ban on boxing."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/87267.stm |title=UK &#124; BMA renews call for boxing ban |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=1998-05-03 |access-date=2016-06-23}}</ref> Opponents respond that such a position is misguided opinion, stating that amateur boxing is scored solely according to total connecting blows with no award for "injury". They observe that many skilled professional boxers have had rewarding careers without inflicting injury on opponents by accumulating scoring blows and avoiding punches winning rounds scored 10–9 by the [[10-point must system]], and they note that there are many other sports where concussions are much more prevalent.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} However, the data shows that the concussion rate in boxing is the highest of all contact sports.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Tommasone|first1=Beth A|last2=Valovich McLeod|first2=Tamara C|date=2006|title=Contact Sport Concussion Incidence|journal=Journal of Athletic Training|volume=41|issue=4|pages=470–472|issn=1062-6050|pmc=1748409|pmid=17273475}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zazryn |first1=Tsharni R. |last2=McCrory |first2=Paul R. |last3=Cameron |first3=Peter A. |date=February 2009 |title=Neurologic Injuries in Boxing and Other Combat Sports |journal=Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America |language=en |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=227–239 |doi=10.1016/j.pmr.2008.10.004|pmid=19084773 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sports Concussion Statistics {{!}} HCC- Best Anti Concussion Helmets & Devices|url=https://headcasecompany.com/concussion_info/stats_on_concussions_sports|access-date=2022-02-18|website=headcasecompany.com}}</ref> In addition, repetitive and subconcussive blows to the head, and not just concussions, cause CTE,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Castellani |first=Rudy J. |date=June 2015 |title=Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: A paradigm in search of evidence? |journal=Laboratory Investigation |language=en |volume=95 |issue=6 |pages=576–584 |doi=10.1038/labinvest.2015.54 |pmid=25867769 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ridler |first=Charlotte |date=April 2017 |title=New insights into the long-term effects of mild brain injury |journal=Nature Reviews Neurology |language=en |volume=13 |issue=4 |page=195 |doi=10.1038/nrneurol.2017.32 |pmid=28257129 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tagge |first1=Chad A |last2=Fisher |first2=Andrew M |last3=Minaeva |first3=Olga V |last4=Gaudreau-Balderrama |first4=Amanda |last5=Moncaster |first5=Juliet A |last6=Zhang |first6=Xiao-Lei |last7=Wojnarowicz |first7=Mark W |last8=Casey |first8=Noel |last9=Lu |first9=Haiyan |last10=Kokiko-Cochran |first10=Olga N |last11=Saman |first11=Sudad |last12=Ericsson |first12=Maria |last13=Onos |first13=Kristen D |last14=Veksler |first14=Ronel |last15=Senatorov |first15=Vladimir V |date=February 2018 |title=Concussion, microvascular injury, and early tauopathy in young athletes after impact head injury and an impact concussion mouse model |journal=Brain |language=en |volume=141 |issue=2 |pages=422–458 |doi=10.1093/brain/awx350 |pmc=5837414 |pmid=29360998 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Montenigro |first1=Philip H |last2=Baugh |first2=Christine M |last3=Daneshvar |first3=Daniel H |last4=Mez |first4=Jesse |last5=Budson |first5=Andrew E |last6=Au |first6=Rhoda |last7=Katz |first7=Douglas I |last8=Cantu |first8=Robert C |last9=Stern |first9=Robert A |date=October 2014 |title=Clinical subtypes of chronic traumatic encephalopathy: literature review and proposed research diagnostic criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome |journal=Alzheimer's Research & Therapy |language=en |volume=6 |issue=5–8 |pages=68 |doi=10.1186/s13195-014-0068-z |pmc=4288217 |pmid=25580160 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Johnson |first1=Brian |last2=Neuberger |first2=Thomas |last3=Gay |first3=Michael |last4=Hallett |first4=Mark |last5=Slobounov |first5=Semyon |date=December 2014 |title=Effects of Subconcussive Head Trauma on the Default Mode Network of the Brain |journal=Journal of Neurotrauma |language=en |volume=31 |issue=23 |pages=1907–1913 |doi=10.1089/neu.2014.3415 |pmc=4238241 |pmid=25010992}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Di Virgilio |first1=Thomas G. |last2=Ietswaart |first2=Magdalena |last3=Wilson |first3=Lindsay |last4=Donaldson |first4=David I. |last5=Hunter |first5=Angus M. |date=10 September 2019 |title=Understanding the Consequences of Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impacts in Sport: Brain Changes and Dampened Motor Control Are Seen After Boxing Practice |journal=Frontiers in Human Neuroscience |volume=13 |page=294 |doi=10.3389/fnhum.2019.00294 |pmid=31551732 |pmc=6746992 |doi-access=free}}</ref> and the evidence indicates that brain damage and the effects of CTE are more severe in boxing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=McKee |first1=Ann C. |last2=Cantu |first2=Robert C. |last3=Nowinski |first3=Christopher J. |last4=Hedley-Whyte |first4=E. 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In 2007, one study of amateur boxers showed that protective headgear did not prevent brain damage,<ref>{{cite journal| url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19426023.000-amateur-boxers-suffer-brain-damage-too.html| title=Amateur boxers suffer brain damage too| date=8 May 2007| journal=New Scientist| issue=2602 | page=4}}</ref> and another found that amateur boxers faced a high risk of brain damage.<ref name="amatneuro">{{cite news| title=Does Amateur Boxing Cause Brain Damage?| date=2 May 2007| url=http://www.aan.com/press/index.cfm?fuseaction=release.view&release=470| work=American Academy of Neurology| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627065134/http://www.aan.com/press/index.cfm?fuseaction=release.view&release=470| archive-date=27 June 2007}}</ref> The Gothenburg study analyzed temporary levels of neurofilament light in cerebral spinal fluid which they conclude is evidence of damage, even though the levels soon subside. More comprehensive studies of neurological function on larger samples performed by Johns Hopkins University in 1994 and accident rates analyzed by [[National Safety Council]] in 2017 show amateur boxing is a comparatively safe sport due to the regulations of amateur boxing and a greater control of the athletes,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Stewart|first1=W. F.|last2=Gordon|first2=B.|last3=Selnes|first3=O.|last4=Bandeen-Roche|first4=K.|last5=Zeger|first5=S.|last6=Tusa|first6=R. J.|last7=Celentano|first7=D. D.|last8=Shechter|first8=A.|last9=Liberman|first9=J.|date=1994-03-15|title=Prospective study of central nervous system function in amateur boxers in the United States|journal=American Journal of Epidemiology|volume=139|issue=6|pages=573–588|issn=0002-9262|pmid=8172169|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a117047}}</ref> although the studies did not focus on CTE or its long-term effects. In addition, a good training methodology and short career can reduce the effects of brain damage.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=McCrory |first1=Paul |last2=Zazryn |first2=Tsharni |last3=Cameron |first3=Peter |date=2007 |title=The Evidence for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Boxing |journal=Sports Medicine |language=en |volume=37 |issue=6 |pages=467–476 |doi=10.2165/00007256-200737060-00001|pmid=17503873 |pmc=2465459 }}</ref>

In 1997, the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians was established to create medical protocols through research and education to prevent injuries in boxing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aaprp.org/ |title=American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians |publisher=Aaprp.org |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=18 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211135806/http://www.aaprp.org/ |archive-date=11 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Hauser, Thomas. [http://www.secondsout.com/usa/colhauser.cfm?ccs=208&cs=15463 "Medical Issues and the AAPRP"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210010515/http://www.secondsout.com/usa/colhauser.cfm?ccs=208&cs=15463 |date=10 February 2008 }} SecondsOut.com, Accessed 25 November 2007</ref>

Professional boxing is forbidden in Iceland,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/international/21639526-more-countries-are-allowing-professional-boxing-despite-risks-bouncing-back|title=Bouncing back|newspaper=The Economist|date=15 January 2015}}</ref> Iran and North Korea. It was banned in Sweden until 2007 when the ban was lifted but strict restrictions, including four three-minute rounds for fights, were imposed.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6237978.stm | publisher=BBC News| first=Jim | last=Fish | title=Boxers bounce back in Sweden | date=26 June 2007}}</ref> Boxing was banned in [[Albania]] from 1965 until the [[Fall of communism in Albania|fall of Communism in 1991]]. Norway legalized professional boxing in December 2014.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rudd|first1=S.|last2=Hodge|first2=J.|last3=Finley|first3=R.|last4=Lewis|first4=P.|last5=Wang|first5=M.|date=2016|title=Should We Ban Boxing?|journal=British Medical Journal |volume=352|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here --> }}}}</ref>

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) restricted the use of head guards for senior males at the World Championships and Olympics after 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-14 |title=Why head-guards in boxing isn't always best ? |url=https://www.mskhealthcare.co.uk/is-wearing-head-guards-in-boxing-safe |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=www.mskhealthcare.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306015858/https://www.mskhealthcare.co.uk/is-wearing-head-guards-in-boxing-safe |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-03-23 |title=Olympic boxing drops headgear, tweaks scoring |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/9087686/olympic-boxing-drops-head-guards-changes-scoring-system |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> A literature review study analyses present knowledge about protecting headgear and injury prevention in boxing to determine if injury risks associated with not head guard usage increased. The research of the reviewed literature indicates that head guards cover well against lacerations and skull fractures. Therefore, AIBA's decision to terminate the head guard must be considered cautiously, and injury rates among (male) boxers should be continuously evaluated.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tjønndal |first1=Anne |last2=Haudenhuyse |first2=Reinhard |last3=de Geus |first3=Bas |last4=Buyse |first4=Luk |date=2022-03-04 |title=Concussions, cuts and cracked bones: A systematic literature review on protective headgear and head injury prevention in Olympic boxing |journal=European Journal of Sport Science |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=447–459 |doi=10.1080/17461391.2021.1872711 |issn=1746-1391 |pmid=33607924|s2cid=231970408 |doi-access=free |hdl=2078.1/258485 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

Like other active and dynamic sports, boxing may be argued to provide some general health benefits, such as fat burning, increased muscle tone, strong bones and ligaments, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, improved core stability, co-ordination and body awareness, strength and power, stress relief and self-esteem, though it's unlikely these offset the much greater risks.

The [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] opened in [[Canastota, New York]] in 1989. The first inductees in 1990 included Jack Johnson, [[Benny Leonard]], [[Jack Dempsey]], [[Henry Armstrong]], [[Sugar Ray Robinson]], [[Archie Moore]], and [[Muhammad Ali]]. Other world-class figures<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/inducteeindex.html|title=Inductee Index|website=ibhof.com|access-date=2019-05-08}}</ref> include [[Salvador Sanchez]], [[Jose Napoles]], [[Roberto Duran|Roberto "Manos de Piedra" Durán]], [[Ricardo Lopez (boxer)|Ricardo Lopez]], [[Gabriel "Flash" Elorde]], [[Vicente Saldivar]], [[Ismael Laguna]], [[Eusebio Pedroza]], [[Carlos Monzón]], [[Azumah Nelson]], [[Rocky Marciano]], [[Pipino Cuevas]], [[Wilfred Benitez]], [[Wilfredo Gomez]], [[Felix Trinidad]] and [[Ken Buchanan]]. The Hall of Fame's induction ceremony is held every June as part of a four-day event. The fans who come to Canastota for the Induction Weekend are treated to a number of events, including scheduled autograph sessions, boxing exhibitions, a parade featuring past and present inductees, and the induction ceremony itself.

* Price, Edmund ''The Science of Self Defence: A Treatise on Sparring and Wrestling'', 1867 (available at Internet Archive, [https://archive.org/stream/scienceofselfdef00pric#page/n5/mode/2up The science of self defence. A treatise on sparring and wrestling, including complete instructions in training and physical development. Also, several remarks upon, and a course prescribed for the reduction of corpulency], access date 26 June 2018).