Sociogenesis of Boxing

Boxing has always been a sport that has sparked my interest. Due to the rigorous and physical strain which is needed to perform well, I have never pursued it. Instead I enjoy watching boxing matches and staying updated with the latest in boxing media. According to whitecollarboxing.com “Boxing originated when a person first lifted a fist against another in play. Different eras of the sport have been distinguished by the use or nonuse of fist coverings. The ancient Greeks believed fist fighting was one of the games played by the gods on Olympus; thus it became part of the Olympic Games in about 688 BC”. It originated in the Greek culture but further developed in the Roman society.

Something that I found very intriguing was how in ancient Rome, the first boxing players were offenders and slaves. Boxing was used a form of entertainment for upper class society. Due to the lower slaves’ status, their health and safety were jeopardized while participating in this sport. According to Owing Mills Boxing Club “Jack Boughtonis is known as the ‘Father of boxing”. He is credited for establishing a set of rules for boxing in 1866. It is believe that Jack decided to publish the rules in 1743”. Although they didn’t specify the rules, in our modern society the rules have become stricter and demanding. The original uniform was minimal covering of the male body; today boxers wear longer shorts made of thin material that doesn’t weigh them down.

 

A few significant events that occurred in the history of boxing include the creation of the first set of rules for the sport in 1743, the creation of the first boxing magazine, Boxing Reviewed in 1790, and the emergence of the notorious Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time. However, one of the most significant events in boxing history was the rise of female boxers which had been prohibited for many years.

Today, much like in many other sports, boxing faces the challenge of not being respected due to the fact that there is so much controversy of it being possibly rigged. Boxing is now more of a show for entertainment purposes rather than the concrete skills that a boxing player must have. With personalities such as “Money Mayweather” and “Manny Pacquiao” this sport has returned to its origins of spectacle.