In our time, there is probably not a single person who does not know about such a sport as boxing. It is a bright and spectacular sport that attracts millions of fans around the world at the screens and near the rings. However, this was not always the case. This sport has gone through many harassment and hardships along the way. One of the indicative points is that more than 50 years have passed since the founding of such a sport as boxing (modern) and until its full inclusion in the program of the Olympic Games. And this despite the fact that in Ancient Greece, where the Olympics originated, hand-to-hand fighting was one of the main sports.
History Olympic boxing knows a lot interesting facts and events that have taken place over a hundred years. The first time boxing, as an official martial arts, was included in the program of the Olympic Games in 1904. Then the Olympics were held in St. Louis. And in many ways, it was thanks to the city that this memorable event happened. The fact is that at that time in the United States, boxing had already become an extremely popular sport. And when the United States was appointed as the country to host the III Olympic Games, the Americans immediately put forward demands to include boxing in the program. This decision was made with great difficulty for the International Olympic Committee, and it took a lot of time to think. As a result, invitations to the boxers of the participating countries were sent with a great delay, so besides the Americans themselves, there were no other boxers at this Olympics. Thus, it turned out not Olympic Games, and the national championship in boxing. The Fourth Olympic Games practically repeated the "success" of the previous ones, since in London, in addition to 39 Englishmen, only three representatives of other countries participated in boxing competitions: one boxer each from Denmark, France and Australia. All prizes, except one, were occupied by the owners, and the only lucky guest was the Australian who won the silver medal. After this development of events, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) considered that boxing was not popular in most countries, so this sport was not at all at the fifth Olympic Games. However, it is also important that boxing was banned in 1912 in Sweden, the host country for the Olympic Games. Then there was World War I, because of which the games were not held. But in 1920, a turning point came for amateur boxing. The first large-scale boxing tournament was held in Antwerp, Belgium, as part of the VII Olympic Games, in which 114 athletes from 11 countries participated. A full set of medals was played in all eight weight categories existing at that time. At these competitions, as well as at the next two, one of the three first places was necessarily occupied by boxers from the USA and Great Britain. Further, this sport is like Olympic discipline, developed systematically and progressively. New weight categories were introduced, the format of the fight was finally established: 3 rounds of 3 minutes. The Olympic system was also introduced for the first time, according to which the losing opponent was eliminated from the competition, with the exception of boxers who reached the semifinals. Having lost at this stage, they converged in the battle for the 3rd place. However, this rule was later abolished, as a result of which both automatically received bronze. The 1952 Olympic Games became significant for us, when Soviet boxers first entered the ring. Then they managed to take second place overall team standings, losing only to the Americans and bringing home two silver and four bronze medals. At the next Olympic Games, the USSR national team was already jubilant, taking first place. Then everything went along the knurled track.
Nowadays, boxing is already a familiar sport at the Olympic Games. In addition, in 2012, women's boxing also joined this discipline. So now we will root for our beauties.
Boxing is an Olympic contact sport (martial arts) in which punches are allowed only and only with special gloves.
The history of the emergence and development of boxing
The history of boxing goes back more than one thousand years. All sorts of references to fistfights are found in Egypt (images on frescoes), as well as on Minoan and Sumerian reliefs. According to some data, the first finds are dated 4000 years BC, according to others 7000 years BC. It is generally accepted that boxing became a martial arts sport in 688 BC, after it was included in the program of the ancient Olympic Games.
The birthplace of modern boxing is England (early 17th century). The founder and first boxing champion is considered to be James Figg. Interestingly, before taking up boxing, James was a famous fencer. Later he opened a boxing academy and began to teach everyone the art of hand-to-hand combat.
Who invented boxing?
Modern boxing was invented by the British.
In 1867, the first set of rules for boxing was developed by journalist John Grahan Chambers. They stipulated: the size of the ring, the weight of the gloves, the duration of the rounds, etc. Later, the rules became the basis for modern rules in boxing.
In 1904, boxing was included in the Olympic Games.
Boxing rules (briefly)
The boxing match is divided into rounds, each of which lasts from 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the level of the match (amateur or professional). Boxers have 1 minute to rest between rounds.
A boxing match ends in the following cases:
- one of the athletes is knocked down and cannot get up for 10 seconds;
- after the third knockdown (the rule applies in title fights under the auspices of the WBA);
- one of the athletes is injured and cannot defend himself (technical knockout);
If both opponents defended all rounds and the knockout did not occur, then the winner is determined by points. If the score is the same in terms of points, then the athlete who has won the most rounds in terms of points becomes the winner. Sometimes there are draws.
In addition to the fact that boxers are prohibited from striking with any part of the body other than the fist, they are also prohibited from: striking below the belt, holding an opponent, pushing, biting, spitting and wrestling.
List of prohibited techniques:
- Hit below the belt;
- hitting (or dangerous movement) with the head;
- blow to the back of the head;
- a blow to the kidneys;
- backstab;
- blow with an open glove (edge or back, especially lacing);
- capture (head, hands, gloves, torso);
- capture with striking;
- low slopes;
- pressing with a hand on the opponent's face;
- turns with your back to the enemy;
- pushing the opponent;
- using ropes to strike;
- grabbing the ropes.
The referee controls the course of the entire fight. He can punish violation of the rules with a warning, deduction of points or even disqualification.
Boxing ring (dimensions and construction)
- Boxing ring size... The ring must be in the form of a square with a side of at least 4.90 m and a maximum of 6.10 m inside the ropes. When holding international championships, a ring with a side of 6.10 m must be used. The ring must be on a platform at least 91 cm high and no more than 1.22 m from the floor or base.
- Platform and corners... The platform must be built with safety in mind, have a level floor, be free of any obstacles and protrude at least 46 cm beyond the ropes on each side. Four corner posts must be installed in the corners of the ring, which must be well protected by special pillows or otherwise arranged to prevent possible injury. Corner cushions should be positioned as follows: in the near left corner (from the table of the Chairman of the Jury) - red, in the far left corner - white, in the far right - blue, in the near right - white.
- Floor covering... The floor must be covered with felt, rubber or other approved material having the same resilience. The thickness of this covering should be at least 1.3 cm and not more than 1.9 cm. A tarp should be stretched and well secured over this covering. Felt (rubber or other approved material) and tarp must cover the entire platform.
- Ropes... The ring is limited to three or four rows of ropes ranging from 3 cm to 5 cm thick. The ropes are pulled as tight as possible between the four corner posts. Ropes should be wrapped in soft or smooth material. On each side, they should be connected to each other by two lintels made of dense fabric with a width of 3 to 4 cm, located at equal intervals. The jumpers must not slip along the rope.
- Stairs... The ring should be equipped with three ladders. Two of them are set in opposite corners and are used by boxers and their seconds. The third ladder is placed in a neutral corner and is used by the Referee and Physicians.
- Plastic bags... In two neutral corners, with outside rings, must be placed in a small plastic bag where the Referee can throw away the cotton wool and tampons he used to help with bleeding.
Why do boxers hit a small punching bag?
It allows you to train punching endurance, timing, speed and accuracy.
Boxing equipment and inventory
Participants in a boxing match must be dressed and equipped as follows:
- Clothing. Light shoes without spikes and heels, socks, shorts at least below the knee and a T-shirt that covers their chest and back.
- mouth guard- a device made of flexible plastic to protect teeth from sports injuries.
- Protective shell. Used to protect the groin.
- Gloves. Red or blue gloves (according to the color of his corner in the ring) provided by the organizers of the competition. According to the requirements of the International Boxing Association, gloves must weigh 284 grams, and the weight of the leather part must be no more than half.
- Bandages. Used to prevent injuries to the wrist, fist and fingers.
Why do boxers bandage their hands?
Boxers wrap their arms in order to reduce the risk of injury to their hands, both when working with apparatus and during sparring. In addition, the bandages absorb perspiration, keeping the gloves dry and extending their lifespan.
Weight categories in boxing
In professional boxing, there are the following weight categories (17 categories):
- Over 90.718 kg - heavy weight
- Up to 90.718 kg - first heavyweight
- Up to 79.378 kg - Light Heavyweight
- Up to 76.203 kg - second average weight
- Up to 72.574 kg - average weight
- Up to 69.85 kg - first average weight
- Up to 66.678 kg - Welterweight
- Up to 63.503 kg - first welterweight
- Up to 61,235 kg - light weight
- Up to 58.967 kg - second featherweight
- Up to 57.153 kg - Featherweight
- Up to 55,225 kg - second lightest
- Up to 53.525 kg - lightest weight
- Up to 52.163 kg - second flyweight
- Up to 50.802 kg - Flyweight
- Up to 48.988 kg - 1st Flyweight
- Up to 47.627 kg - minimum weight
Weight categories in amateur boxing
In amateur boxing, there are the following weight categories (10 categories):
- over 91 kg - heavyweight
- 81-91 kg - heavy weight
- 75-81kg Light Heavyweight
- 69-75 kg - average weight
- 64-69 kg - Welterweight
- 60-64 kg - first welterweight
- 56-60 kg - light weight
- 52-56 kg - Bantamweight
- 49-52 kg - Flyweight
- 46-49kg - 1st Flyweight
Boxing refereeing
Competitions and fights are served by a panel of judges in the following composition.
Boxing rules.
Competitions.
Boxing like olympic look sports, held only among men. It is a competition between two men exchanging blows in a square ring. In amateur boxing, the task is to score points by hitting the opponent or bringing him to a state in which he cannot continue the fight. Boxers must wear boxing gloves and can only hit above the waist to the front or to the side with hands clenched into fists. In Sydney, the bout will consist of four 2-minute rounds with a one-minute interval between each round. Previously, Olympic fights consisted of three 3-minute rounds, but on the advice of doctors, a new system was introduced.
Scoring.
The round begins with the bang of the gong. Boxers get close to each other and try to score points by hitting the opponent. Each point is a clean blow with force on the opponent's “legal” parts of the body using the articulated area of the covered glove. The Boxer can hit the front and sides of the head and torso. Hits on the opponent's hands do not score, as well as blows delivered without force do not score. The refereeing panel of five judges will determine which of the blows is worth points. Electronic vote counting will not award a point to a shot until at least three out of five judges agree.
Each of the judges has 2 buttons for each of the boxers. And they click on the appropriate button if they believe that the boxer has struck for which a point must be awarded. The system will not assign a point until at least three of the referees press the buttons at intervals of no more than a second. All points earned are then calculated by an electronic system. When boxers exchange a series of punches and it is impossible to strike with full force, the referees wait for the end of this exchange of punches and assign a point to the one who had the best punches.
At the end of the bout, when all points have been counted, the boxer with the most points is declared the winner. If both boxers finished the fight with an equal number of points, then the winner is the one who, in the opinion of the judges, “led” the bout, showed the best style. If the judge determined that these factors are also equal, then which of the opponents held the best defense is also taken into account.
Knockdowns and knockouts.
During the fight, a boxer is considered to be knocked down if, as a result of a blow inflicted on him, he touches the field with any part of his body except his feet. He is also knocked down if he, at least partially, is behind the ropes or is helplessly hanging from them as a result of a blow, or if he is standing, but it is determined that he cannot continue the fight. When a Boxer is knocked down, the Referee will begin counting seconds from one to ten. Nowadays, the countdown is done electronically with a beep at the end of every second, but referees often choose to say it out loud.
The referee is also required to count down the knocked down boxer using the fingers of an outstretched hand in front of him. If a boxer is knocked down after 10 seconds, his opponent wins by knockout. Even if the boxer gets to his feet immediately, in any case, the countdown is carried out to "eight". After 8 seconds the referee will give the command “boxing” if he thinks the bout should continue. If the Boxer gets to his feet but falls again without being hit, the Referee starts counting at eight.
A knocked down Boxer can only be saved by striking the gong in the last round of the final. In any other round, the count continues after the gong is struck. If both Boxers are knocked down at the same time, the countdown continues until one of them remains knocked down. If both Boxers are knocked down for a score of 10, the winner is the one with the most points.
Confessing yourself to be defeated.
There are other cases when a boxer is declared the winner, namely: When the referee stops the fight due to the fact that, due to a clear advantage of one over the other, the opponent's disqualification, or his removal due to injury. And also the opponent's second can recognize a clear advantage of the enemy and throw away the towel.
Violations.
When a Boxer commits a violation, he will be penalized, cautioned or disqualified. Two notices for a specific offense constitute an automatic warning, and any three warnings constitute disqualification. Some of the more common offenses include hitting below the waist, holding, pushing an opponent's face or elbow into the face, pushing the opponent's head back on the ropes, hitting with an open glove, hitting the inside of the glove, and hitting the opponent at the back of the head, back of the neck or body. Other violations include passive defense, not backing off on the break command, insulting the referee, and attempting to hit the opponent immediately after the break command.
Boxers are divided into 12 weight categories. Their names and maximum weight:
- Super flyweight 48 kg
- Flyweight 51 kg
- Bantamweight 54 kg
- Featherweight 57 kg
- Lightweight 60 kg
- 1st welterweight 63.5 kg
- 2nd welterweight 67 kg
- 1st average 71 kg
- 2-medium 75 kg
- light heavy 81 kg
- heavy 91 kg
- heavyweight over 91 kg
Other rules.
If the referee starts counting three times in one round or four times in a fight to any of the boxers, he stops the fight and declares his opponent the winner. ? If the Referee is forced to stop the fight in the first round due to eye injury or similar injury, the other Boxer will be declared the winner. If this happens in the second or third round, then the winner is determined by the amount of points scored before.
Boxers must shake hands before the bout and after the announcement of the results. Boxers participating in the Games must be at least 17 years of age and no older than 34. Beards are prohibited and mustaches must be no longer than the upper lip. Prior to each bout, the medical examiner must declare the boxers' fitness to fight. Then three doctors take their places on the side of the gong and each has the right to stop the fight if medical reasons compel it to do so.
Fights are held in a square ring measuring 6.1 meters between the ropes on each side. The floor of the ring is a canvas stretched over soft flooring, and it protrudes 45.72 centimeters beyond the ropes. On each side of the ring there are 4 parallel ropes. The lower one is located at a height of 40.66 cm above the floor and the distance between the ropes is 30.48 cm. The corners of the ring differ in color. Boxers occupy the red and blue corners of the ring, and the other two corners are white, they are called neutral.
Competition format.
Boxers are paired according to the Olympic system, without regard to their titles. As a result of each fight, the winner is promoted to participate in the next fight, and the loser is eliminated. The winners of the preliminary rounds advance to the quarter-finals and then to the semi-finals. The two winners of the semi-finals compete for the gold and silver medals. Two losers of the semi-final fights receive bronze medals.
Boxing fans can immediately name the world boxing champions. But when it comes to Olympic champions, the list is noticeably reduced to names that can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
Some athletes have become two and three times Olympic champions. They trained constantly, and they fully deserve the title of Olympic boxing champions.
The list of Olympic boxing champions is quite extensive, but not all of the names from the list are heard by fans of professional boxing. We decided to correct this misunderstanding and tell you about the Olympic boxing champions.
Two-time Olympic boxing champions
The list, which includes two-time Olympic boxing champions, has not been replenished since 2012. The list of winners who have proved twice that they are the best in their sport at the Olympic Games in different years is as follows:
- Oliver Kirk(USA) - 1904 (52kg), 1904 (56kg);
- Jerzy Zdzislav Kulej(Poland) - 1964, 1968;
- Boris Lagutin(USSR) - 1964 (71kg), 1968 (71kg), 1960 bronze;
- Angelo Herrera Vera(Cuba) - 1976, 1980;
- Hector Winent(Cuba) - 1992, 1996;
- Ariel Hernandez(Cuba) 75kg - 1992, 1996;
- Oleg Saitov(Russia) - 1996, 2000, bronze in Athens 2004;
- Mario Kindelan(Cuba) - 2000, 2004;
- Guillermo Rigondo(Cuba) - 2000, 2004;
- Alexey Tishchenko(Russia) - 2004, 2008;
- Zou Shimin(China) - 2008, 2012, bronze in Rio de Janeiro 2016;
- Vasily Lomachenko(Ukraine) - 2008, 2012.
One of the last Olympians in this sport was the Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion in boxing, who was nicknamed in Ukraine a gold miner during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In 2008, at the Beijing Olympics, Vasily Lomachenko knocked out Frenchman Jelkir Kedafi, and in the final in the Olympic Games in London in 2012, the Ukrainian defeated Sun-Chul Khan from South Korea.
Three-time Olympic boxing champions - who are they? Fans of this sport need to know at least their names, especially since they can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
In the entire history of the Olympics, only three boxers have become three-time boxing champions. We will tell you about them in more detail.
Hungarian athlete Laszlo Lapp is the first Olympic boxing champion to become a champion three times. He was the best middleweight boxer in the world from 1948 to 1964.
Lapp took his first gold in 1948 at the Olympic Games in London in the weight up to 74 kilograms, defeating the British boxer John Wright.
The second time Olympic boxing champion Laszlo Lapp won gold in 1952 at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, defeating the athlete from South Africa Theunis Van Schalkwik in the weight up to 71 kilograms.
The Hungarian boxer's third victory was at the 1956 Olympics, which took place in Melbourne. Then Lapp defeated the future professional boxing champion - American Jose Torres.
In addition to a successful boxing career, Laszlo Lapp has acted in films.
It is believed that boxing became a mass entertainment in the second millennium BC, as evidenced by the frescoes found during excavations in Baghdad, which depicted not only fighting athletes, but also observers.
In Europe, boxing was spread by the ancient Greeks; it is mentioned in Homer's Iliad. Then the athletes were not divided by weight categories and the fight was not divided into rounds, and was not limited in time, the fight ended only with a knockout.
V ancient Rome two types of boxing were popular: folk and gladiatorial. This division resembles the modern division of boxing into amateur and professional, with the only difference that gladiators were, as a rule, criminals who, through a fight, could win their freedom.
Fistfights were so popular that some emperors did not disdain to participate in them, however, in 500, Theodoric the Great banned fistfights because he considered them a crime against God and it was allowed only in the 13th century, after the fall of the great Roman Empire.
The very term "boxing" appeared in the 17th century in England. It is believed that the first official battle took place between a butcher and a lackey of a British duke. In the same England, the first rules for conducting fights were invented, their author was the English champion - Jack Broughton. But until the 19th century, boxing was considered illegal both in England and in the United States, and often the fights were stopped by the servants of the law.
Boxing at the olympics
Boxing was present at the Olympiads even in the ancient history of games, up to their banning by Emperor Theodosius. And after the revival of the Olympic Games, medals were played in 1904 in St. Louis and are still being played (the exception was the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm).
The first women's tournament took place, in which the Russian women's team won two silver medals.
The most titled is the US national team, the athletes of this country took away from the games for all the time 48 gold, 24 silver, 36 bronze medals... The Russian national team, despite its not yet long history, takes 6th place in this indicator with 9 gold, 3 silver and 12 bronze medals.
