Boxing has been a popular sport since the Marquess of Queensberry established "civilized" rules for the activity in 1867. Since that time, fighters have been testing their skill in the boxing ring. Boxing is not just about strength or punching power. It is about movement, strategy, defensive skill, hand-eye coordination and speed. There are many levels and layers to the fight game.
Golden Gloves
Amateur fighters can test their skills against other amateur boxers in a Golden Gloves bout. Golden Gloves is an amateur tournament for fighters who have showed some skill in the early stages of their career and want to find out where they stand compared to other fighters at the same level. Golden Gloves bouts usually consist of three two-minute rounds.
Olympics
This is the highest level of amateur boxing. The normal progression is for boxers to start out as amateur novices. Then they move on to Golden Gloves-level boxing. Those who continue to advance may have a chance to qualify for Olympic-level boxing. In the United States, amateur boxers who want to fight in the Olympics go through qualifying tournaments to gain a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team.
Professional
After a successful amateur career, boxers may want to turn professional. This requires minimum training of five days per week and maintaining the best possible conditioning. Professional boxers work with trainers who outline plans for getting in top shape, skill improvement and ring strategy. A fighter must train by running, jumping rope and hitting the speed bag and heavy bag. He must also spar with other fighters on a regular basis -- anywhere from one to three times per week -- to test his skills. Professional fighters who are trying to advance will fight at least once per month. Professional fights can be scheduled for four to 12 three-minute rounds.
Championship
Championship boxers have climbed the ladder from low amateur to the peak of their sport. Some of the most talented fighters can rise to the top of their profession by the time they are 20 or younger, but most fighters don't reach this level until they are in their mid-20s. Typical champions have earned Golden Gloves titles, many have fought in the Olympics and they have dominated 10 or more bouts as a professional before getting a shot to win a championship. Championship-level fighters are usually top athletes with explosive speed, quickness and punching power.
Posted in: Boxing