The first reference to a duel with closed fists is a stone tablet from Mesopotamia, dating from 5000 BC In the third millennium BC, the Sumerians also punched each other, as well as the Egyptians around 2000 BC The Greeks, in turn, incorporated boxing into their Olympics in 668 BC It was in Greece, by the way, that the sport was organized and gained rules – the Romans also enjoyed fistfights between gladiators, which were banned in 393. In the 18th century, the sport resurfaced in England and it was baptized as boxing. The beating ran wild, but from 1788 onwards the first limitations of blows appeared and the practice began to travel the world – in 1920 it was once again Olympic. Since then, boxing has become a millionaire spectacle inside and outside the rings, earning even an Oscar for best film with Rocky, in 1976.
NO ATTACK
There are three basic punches, with few variations, to hit the opponent
JAB
Front strike to drive away the rival or keep a safe distance. If applied correctly, it can knock you out – as Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko have done several times.
DIRECT
Another punch from the front delivered with the fist that is behind in the guard. Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Robinson surprised rivals by striking with great violence
HOOK
It works by being fast and bypassing the rival’s guard from the sides. The uppercut, which lands straight to the chin from bottom to top, is a variation of the uppercut.
IN DEFENSE
Various forms of protection against a limited offensive repertoire
BLOCK
Fists cover the face, barring straight and crossed. In the partial block, the fighter leaves one hand a little more open, ready for the counterattack.
DODGE
A step back deflects quick blows. Turning the body just enough for the blow to pass close to the head attracts the opponent and favors the counterattack
CLINCH
Used to gain time, taking the speed of the rival, preventing hooks or uppercuts. In these cases, the referee intervenes by ordering the fighters to stand down.
Cassius Clay Jr. – Christian name before converting to Islam – is a legend, elected sportsman of the 20th century by the American magazine Sports Illustrated. Olympic champion in 1960 and three-time heavyweight champion, he revolutionized boxing with his fast and elegant style, as well as his ability to turn the sport into a big show, thanks to his sharp tongue.
CROSS-FIRE
One of Ali’s favorite strikes was the cross, which aimed at the side of the opponent’s head. When applied correctly, it led to knockouts – as happened in 37 of his 61 fights as a professional fighter.
– The fights lasted 15 rounds until, in 1982, Korean Duk Koo Kim died in the ring after being beaten for 14 rounds
– Professional fights last up to 12 three-minute rounds. For amateurs, there are three rounds and the winner is decided by the sum of points.
– Mike Tyson punched his sparring partners – hired to train against great boxers – until they passed out
– Oscar de La Roya was a sparring partner and took a lot of beatings from Julio César Chávez and Evander Holyfield before turning pro
FROM TOE TO HEAD
Professional boxers use less equipment than amateurs
The ancient Greeks fought naked, but they already wore gloves. Since the 18th century, the basic uniform has been made up of shorts, sneakers and gloves – the mouth guard was only incorporated in the 20th century. In amateur boxing, a modality practiced in the Olympics, a shirt and head guard are added
ARMED FIST
Gloves prevent blows from slicing into fighters’ faces. Hands are bandaged to protect the bones
FARM OUTFIT
Professionals vary in their choice of short color and cut. Amateurs wear only one color – blue or red
GINGA IN THE FOOT
Light shoes facilitate movement. The format varies, but they are always used with the laces tight.
Infractions that can cost points and even result in disqualification
– Hits below the waist
– Blows to the back
– Pulling or holding the opponent
– Striking arms, chest or neck
– Hit without using your hands