Boxing is a sport that involves using fists to fight. Boxing is also referred to as pugilism, which means using fists, and prizefighting, which means fighting for monetary benefits. In 1904, the world included boxing in the Olympic Games program. Before 1904, people used their fists to fight others to resolve conflicts before someone thought of it as entertainment.
Boxing sport is categorized into armature and professional, while both involve using fists to fight an opponent. Boxing fighters put on padded gloves and are required to observe the set rules. A winner in boxing is determined by either having higher scores than the opponent or interpreting the rival being unable to continue with the game. Sessions run from 3 to 12 rounds, where each round lasts for three minutes.
Boxing as a formal Olympic event dates back to 688 BCE. The first evidence of boxing appears in Sumerian relief carving in 1350 BCE, where both boxers and spectators were featured. During this period, fighters used bare fists when fighting or, at most, simply used a band to support the wrist. The first evidence of gloves or hand covers was in 1500 BCE, which showed fighters wearing taut plates strapped to the fist.
The boxing sport came to the United States towards the end of 1700 from England, and it was deeply rooted in 1800, mainly in the large states such as New York City, New Orleans, and Boston. American boxing was initially viewed as an illegal affair. It was primarily done in secret until later in the 19th century when the sport found advocates through a religious movement that viewed sports as a way of gaining moral and physical strength.
In American boxing, John L. Sullivan was recognized as the first heavyweight champion who emerged as a winner in 1882 and 1892. Through the years, American boxing has gained momentum, and by the 20th century, America became the center of professional boxing.