Boxing

Boxing is a Athletic contest between two persons who use their fists to try to knock each other unconscious or inflict enough punishment to cause the opponent to quit or be judged beaten. A boxing match is conducted under established rules and procedures and has a referee, judges, and a timekeeper. The primary aim is to strike blows to the head and torso of the opponent that will knock down the boxer and render him or her incapable of rising to a standing position within ten seconds.
Background :
In ancient Greece, boxing was a popular amateur competitive sport and was included in the Olympian Games. In the 18th century, boxing became popular in London in the form of bare-knuckle fights in which the contestants fought for money and the spectators wagered on the outcome. The first boxer to be recognized as a heavyweight champion was James Figg, in 1719. In 1838 the Original London Prize Ring rules were devised. Later modified, they were used until the Queensberry rules were drafted in 1857. Emphasizing boxing skill over strength, the Queensberry rules prohibited barefisted fighting, wrestling, hugging, hitting opponents while they are helpless, and fighting to the finish. Matches were divided into 3-minute rounds separated by 1-minute intervals. A contestant who remained down after ten seconds lost the match. The rules also stipulated that matches be conducted in a roped-in square, called a ring. The Queensberry rules have remained the code governing professional boxing.

Professional and Amateur Boxing :

In the 20th century, professional boxing has been subject to control by national and international bodies. Official codes specify ring construction, a minimum weight for padded gloves, a maximum number of rounds (usually 12 in championship bouts), definitions and penalties for fouls, and systems of scoring points to decide winners of contests that do not end in knockouts.

Although there are 17 recognized weight divisions, most professional boxers compete in only eight of those classes. These classes are, with maximum weight, (1) flyweight, 112 lb (50.7 kg); (2) bantamweight, 118 lb (53.5 kg); (3) featherweight, 126 lb (57.1 kg); (4) lightweight, 135 lb (61.2 kg); (5) welterweight, 147 lb (66.6 kg); (6) middleweight, 160 lb (72.6 kg); (7) light heavyweight, 175 lb (79.4 kg); and (8) heavyweight, 195 lb (88.5 kg) and over.
Amateur boxing has been a feature of the Olympic Games since 1904. In 1946, the Amateur International Boxing Association was formed and is the world government body.