History of boxing🥊: all you need to know historically

Hello combat sports fans! Today, we're going to dive into the history of boxing. A fascinating journey through the ages, from the first strikes to today's legendary fights. So get your gloves on and let's get started! Boxing is much more than punches, it's a dance, a strategy, an art that has evolved over the centuries. In this article, I'm going to tell you how this noble sport has evolved through the ages, transformed itself and become what it is today. Ready to embark on a thrilling journey through time?

The origins of boxing

Boxing is nothing new! The first traces of this sport date back to ancient times. The Egyptians and Mesopotamians were already practising rudimentary forms of hand-to-hand combat. Frescoes and engravings show pugilists beating each other. But it was in Greece, with the Olympic Games, that boxing became a recognised discipline. In those days, fights were brutal and merciless. Competitors would fight until one of them could no longer continue. Just imagine the scene: athletes covered in sweat and dust, fighting under the scorching sun for glory and honour. The audience went wild, cheering every blow, every fall, every drop of blood spilt on the sand of the arena.

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Boxing in Ancient Greece

The Greeks didn't do things by halves. Fights were violent and often without precise rules. Athletes fought with leather bands around their hands to protect their joints. Matches took place in large arenas, under the watchful eyes of judges and spectators. Greek boxers, known as "pugilists", trained hard for these fights. They used hit and dodging techniques that are still used today in the noble arts. Fights often ended in knockouts, as there were no rounds as there are today. Boxing was seen as a true test of courage and resilience.

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Boxing in Roman times

The Romans took up the torch and added their own personal touch. Boxing matches were part of the famous gladiatorial games. Roman pugilists used "cestes", metal-reinforced combat gloves. In other words, the fights were bloody and often fatal. In the Roman amphitheatres, thousands of spectators came to watch these Dantean duels. The boxers were often slaves or prisoners of war, forced to fight for their survival and for the entertainment of the public. The brutality of the fights reflected the spirit of the times, when human life was sometimes of little value.

Boxing in the Middle Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, boxing disappeared from the radar for a while. But it survived, hidden in popular traditions. Medieval tournaments sometimes included boxing events, even though it was not yet an organised sport. The fights were often improvised and served as entertainment at local fairs and festivals. The nobility and knights preferred jousting and sword tournaments, but bare-knuckle fighting was still a popular activity. Boxing continued to evolve, discreetly but persistently, waiting for its moment of glory.

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The renaissance of boxing

Modern boxing began to take shape in 18th century England. It was here that the first official rules were established and the sport began to gain in popularity. Fights were no longer simple street brawls, but organised duels with clear rules. The first boxing clubs appeared, and the fights attracted more and more spectators. Boxing began to be seen not just as a bully sport, but as a noble art requiring technique and intelligence.

The first champions

The Broughton rules

Jack Broughton, another pioneer, introduced the first rules to protect boxers in 1743. These rules, known as the "Broughton Rules", banned certain punches and introduced rounds - a minor revolution at the time! Before these rules, fights could last for hours and end tragically. The Broughton Rules introduced limitations on the types of blows permitted, such as banning blows below the belt. They also introduced breaks between rounds, allowing boxers to recover and continue the fight in better conditions. These changes not only made boxing safer, but also more strategic and technical.

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Legends of the ring

Names like Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis and later Muhammad Ali became icons. Their fights were followed by millions of fans and their styles influenced generations of boxers. Jack Dempsey, with his aggressive style and raw power, left his mark on the 1920s. Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber", dominated the scene in the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a symbol of unity and resistance during the Second World War. Muhammad Ali, with his charisma, exceptional technique and political commitment, revolutionised boxing and left an indelible mark on sport and society. Each of these champions brought something unique to boxing, contributing to its evolution and worldwide popularity.

Conclusion

Now you know a little more about the history of boxing. A sport rich in tradition, evolution and legend. Whether you're a fan or just curious, there's plenty to fascinate you about the history of boxing. Boxing is about much more than punching, it's about passion, perseverance and surpassing yourself. So, are you ready to step into the ring of knowledge? Never forget that behind every punch, every dodge, every victory, there are centuries of history and evolution. Boxing continues to reinvent itself, to push back the boundaries and to captivate the crowds. May the history of boxing continue to inspire and enthrall you!

Sources : Boxing Wiki

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