Boxing in the US

History of boxing travels through different parts of the world starting with North Africa in 4000 BC. Greeks and Romans played and immensely enjoyed the sport of pugilism. History takes us back to festivals and games where combatants fought till one of the fighters died. There is mention of use of spikes and studs made of metal during prizefights. These shadows eventually warded off as the game took a developed form with well-defined and fair rules protecting fighters. United States has played a major role in building up image of boxing in the world, especially during the 20th century.

In so far as the nation became the focus for professional boxing in the world. With the establishment of NBA (National Boxing Association), the first such body governing the game, boxing achieved renewed status in new world of sports. Ring magazine was founded in mid 1900s and it began systematic listing of championships and winners. The NBA gained its new name in 1962 and became World Boxing Association-WBA. The new role brought about increased responsibility. It was in late 19th and early 20th century that Olympic boxing was encouraged in schools, universities as also in the armed forces.

In 1963, an adversary sprung to power under the name of the World Boxing Council-WBA. Another body by the name IBF (International Boxing Federation) came to power in 1983. It is remarkable that to be titled a world champion, a boxer had to acquire recognition from three separate bodies. There are different regional sanctioning bodies like the North American Boxing Federation and the United States Boxing Association who also granted championships. Ring Magazine listed each weight division champion and its rankings are the still applauded by boxing fans worldwide.

An international body for amateur boxing was formed in 1946 known as the International Amateur Boxing Association. The development phase of boxing has seen the United States as a world leader, promoting and generating opportunities at all levels. The US played a major role in building a reputable status for the sport and also popularising and making professional and amateur level boxing more safe for fighters. The Olympic champions, the US has won 106 Olympic medals till date: 47 gold, 23 silver and 36 bronzes. Most heavyweight champions of this century originate from the United States.

For the game of boxing, there are some things that haven’t changed. The boxers play hand-to-hand and in a one-to-one combat, against a boxer of similar size and strength. The pugilistic nature of the game has been preserved making boxing a sport with its unique identity. Players win points for clean and solid blows to the allowed body parts, like on the front of the opponent's body above the waistline. Correct hits to the head and torso score points and are considered important in the game. A punch scores points only when the boxers connect with the white portion of the gloves.

Many names and leads to the game of boxing which has seen its peak times in the US. The nation passionately supported boxing events and continues to promote boxing championships under different divisions all over the world.