The History of Boxing – From Ancient Times to the Modern Era
Boxing is a sport with a long and rich history. It is thought to have originated in ancient Greece, and there is evidence of it being practiced in other cultures as far back as 3,000 years ago. Over the millennia, the rules and regulations of the sport have evolved considerably, as has the equipment used by boxers. Today, boxing is a hugely popular sport enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ancient Origins
Boxing is thought to have originated in ancient Greece around 688 BC. The sport was known as pygme or pugme at this time, which meant ‘fistfight’ in Greek. It was practiced as a form of entertainment for spectators, and sometimes even as a way of settling disputes between two parties. There are records of boxing matches taking place during the Olympic Games of 648 BC and 628 BC. The first boxing gloves are thought to have been used during these games.
Middle Ages
The sport gained popularity over the centuries and spread to Rome and other parts of Europe. By the Middle Ages, boxing had become a common form of entertainment among the lower classes. In England particularly, many pubs would host boxing matches known as ‘prizefights’. These matches had few rules and were often violent affairs; they were eventually banned by parliament in 1743 for fear that they were encouraging gambling and criminal activity.
Modern Era
Boxing regained popularity in the 19th century and began to be governed by formal rules. In 1867, the Marquess of Queensberry rules were published, setting out basic guidelines for prizefights such as the use of gloves and a three-minute round limit. These rules are still in use today with only minor modifications. The 20th century saw further evolution in both boxing equipment and rules; for example, headgear became mandatory in 1984 in order to protect boxers from serious head injuries.
Boxing is a sport with immense global appeal and a long and fascinating history. It has undergone many changes over the millennia, both in terms of equipment and rules. Today, it continues to be enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. We are proud stockists of some of boxing’s most prestigious equipment and accessories such as Ringside Boxing UK, Pro Box UK, Bravose. We stock Boxing Gloves, Boxing Punch Bags and much more.
