Boxing emerged about 5,000 years ago from fistfighting. This sport was popular in ancient Greece. However, England is considered the birthplace of modern boxing. The first rules for these competitions were introduced in 1743.
During the first ancient Olympic Games, strips of leather were wound around the hands of boxers. Fighting with gloves began in 1867 in England.
At the Olympics, only men participate in boxing competitions. Two athletes enter the square ring for a fight and hit each other above the waist.
As soon as the gong sounds, the opponents try to score points, which are given for the strikes. Hits that are prohibited by the rules or delivered without force are not counted. It is allowed to use the articular area of the glove for strikes from the front or side of the head and torso.
The correctness of the fight is monitored by 5 judges. At least 3 of them must recognize a point for it to be counted. The athlete with the most points wins. If there is a tie according to the points, the team of judges will choose the winner. She assesses the style in which the fight was fought and the ability of the boxers to hold the defense.
A Boxer can win by knockout if his opponent touches the battlefield with any part of his body other than his feet and is unable to stand up for 10 seconds. If the athlete got up from the knockdown, but after the referee's countdown to 8 was unable to continue the fight after the “boxing” command, the score goes to 10. The boxer can be declared defeated if he cannot continue the fight due to injury.
For violation of the rules, for example, a blow below the belt, in the back of the head, for passive defense, athletes receive a reprimand. Three comments lead to disqualification.
Competitions are held in accordance with 12 weight categories: up to 48 kg, up to 51 kg, up to 54 kg, up to 57 kg, up to 60 kg, up to 63.5 kg, up to 67 kg, up to 71 kg, up to 75 kg, up to 81 kg, up to 91 kg and more than 91 kg.
The boxing ring is surrounded by ropes. The distance between them on each side of the square should be 6, 1 m. There is a soft flooring on the floor of the ring. The corners of the ring have their own color: red, blue, in which the boxers are located, and two white ones.
Fights in the format of the Olympic Games are held for elimination. Athletes are divided only by weight categories, excluding ratings and titles.
