Boxing is a sport in which two fighters battle with their fists. The boxers wear heavily padded gloves and fight in a square, roped-off area called a ring. A good bout between two well-matched fighters is a fast, violent display of strength and skill. The boxers throw powerful punches as each tries to dominate his or her opponent. At the same time, each boxer must guard his or her head and body against the other's punches by dodging or blocking the blows. There are several ways to win a fight. The action may range all over the ring as the fighters weave about or press forward to create openings for blows. Good boxers must be strong, quick, skillful, and in excellent physical condition. They also should have the courage and determination to fight in spite of pain and exhaustion.
Boxers fight as amateurs or professionals. Most amateurs compete as members of an organization or a team, and some box in tournaments. Amateurs may not accept money for boxing. Professionals fight for money and are often called prizefighters.
Boxing began thousands of years ago, and for much of its history was an extremely brutal sport. Modern boxing enjoyed great popularity in the United States from the 1920's through the 1940's. However, spectator interest in the sport of boxing then began to decline. Today, only the top professional championship bouts and competition in boxing during the Olympic Games regularly draw widespread attention from the public.
Boxing has been criticized as a dangerous sport because of the possibility of injury. However, rules attempt to reduce the chances of damage to boxers. Fighters must wear protective equipment and a doctor must be present at fights. Beginning in the 1980's, most professional fights were reduced from 15 to 12 rounds to cut down on injuries due to fatigue in late rounds.
