We have just finished a rather disappointing Beijing Olympics in the Boxing Arena. Let us hope that our fighters will be ready so they can win some medals at the 2012 London Olympics. Let’s hope no one will be sent home. We have almost a full 4 years before the London Olympics begin, surely we can get the preparation correct for this one.
Boxing: Early Times
From the earliest of times there has been boxing. A couple of centuries ago, boxers fought with leather wrapped around their fists. In 1867 Marquess of Queensbury introduced the Queensbury rules.
Today’s Boxing
Olympic Boxing is governed by AIBA. Amateur boxing is different from professional boxing, and the amateur boxers are better protected with head gear to prevent serious injuries. The Referees are quicker to stop a fight if the believe the fighter is hurt.
Olympic boxers compete in 11 weight classes, from under 48 kilograms to over 91 kilograms. The length of the fight is four, two-minute rounds. Boxers can only score a point when they strike the head or upper body of the opponent.
The “Ring” as it is called is a “Square”, and the opponents are given either a red or blue corner which is at opposite ends. The fighters meet up in the middle of the ring and fight under the control of a strict referee.
- Throw in the towel - The traditional way to concede defeat. A boxer's assistant will throw a towel into the ring when he feels his man can no longer continue.
- Southpaw - A left-handed boxer
- Jab - A straight, arm-length punch thrown from the boxer’s leading hand
- Uppercut - An upwards-thrown punch designed to hit an opponent’s chin
- Hook - A sideways-thrown punch in which the boxer swings his arm from the shoulder with the elbow bent.
Olympic Boxing Greats
there have been some really outstanding greats who have fought at various Olympic Games. Mohamed Ali, Lennox Lewis and fairly recent Amir Khan. Women are not permitted to fight, but they do fight at professional level. Who knows - maybe they will include women in the 2012 Olympics Boxing.
Simple Terms used -
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