Why Is Boxing Called Boxing? Boxing History That Everyone Should Know

Boxing is a favorite sport worldwide, which attracts many people to take part in. Although boxing is quite dangerous, it is still a great way to gain good health if you practice in a good way. 

Everyone knows all the basic concepts about boxing above. But we sure that you might be wondering about the answer to the question “Why is boxing called boxing?” Let’s figure it out in this post!

The Brief History And Essential Knowledge About “ Why Is Boxing Called Boxing?” 

Development

Boxing ( also called prizefighting or pugilism) is a sport of fighting with fists. In the beginning, boxing is a way that people use to solve disputes and misunderstandings. Then boxing has developed into a healthy sport for everyone who loves challenging as well as practicing nowadays.

why-is-boxing-called-boxing

When Did Boxing First Appear?

In the 23rd Olympiad, boxing first appeared as a competition, but fist-fighting contests have remained in humankind’s prehistory. The boxing rules first came from ancient Greece: The competition will end when a man holds up a finger as a sign of defeat, and the law strictly prohibits the act of clinching. 

Unlike today, the first rounds are often taking place outdoors to challenge contestants with harsh sunlight and intense heat. Contestants came from all social classes, but most boxers joining the first major festival came from the upper classes.

Why Is Boxing Called Boxing?

According to a reference of the earliest north European, the word “boxing” came from the related term “boke” in Middle Dutch, “buc” in Middle High German, and “bask” in Danish. These words have the same meaning of “ a blow.”

Most people consider that the word “boxing” came from Dutch or German in the 14th century. In the 1300s, the English organized fighting or punching art events. Visitors came here to admire, then applied their language “boke” into this country. And this word gradually transforms into the word “box.”

Boxing first appeared in Britain by the Romans. It was one of three popular events in the earliest Olympics Games. This event is a type of all-in boxing or wrestling and somehow like MMA.

Rules

In these early days, there were no rules or padding to ensure security for boxers. Due to the high death rate and injury, people divide Pankration into boxing and wrestling.

According to documents in the 18th century, the champion is the one who can pass through 3 rounds, including sword fight, boxing (unarmed combat), and staff fight. Therefore, the competition’s winner is the expert in combat who can use both weapons or be unarmed to fight. 

The very early form of pugilism was both unarmed and comprehensive armed combat art.

In the Elizabeth era, boxing became popular in England. By 1700, people had celebrated an English champion. However, this champion returned boxing to its origin of Pankration (including striking, punching, and wrestling). Weapons training also emerged and became an integral part of this champion. 

It was not until 1920 that boxing developed into an international sport. This new form only allows boxers to use punching to fight with gloves and hand wraps as protection. 

Read also: Why you should try boxing?

Conclusion

In conclusion, boxing is a sport that has a life-long formation from the old days. Not only does boxing help people keep fit, but it also creates a potential environment for boxers from all over the world to compete. Today, boxing is becoming more and more popular as many audiences watch it via the Internet and TV.We hope you find this article helpful to answer “Why is boxing called boxing?”.

Thank you for your attention, and we wish you a good day!

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