Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport where two participants compete against each other.

See Also:: Boxercise

An Overview of Boxing

The aim is to strike your opponent with punches to above the waist line over the course of an allocated number of three-minute rounds. A judge(s) or referee will determine who has been the better boxer, i.e. who scored the most punches/points, and award him or her the winner. Another way of winning is to knock your opponent down for a count of at least 10 seconds.

Benefits

Increases self-confidence and self-esteem
High Intensity Exercise, great for cardiovascular fitness

Costs

A good pair of beginnner's boxing gloves can be yours for around £20; you'll also need hand wraps (£5) to go underneath. If you get on to head sparring you'll need a head guard (£30) and a gumshield (£5). You can spar in your trainers to begin with but if you want the proper boxing boots you'll have to fork out around £30.

Club costs vary greatly.

Involvement

The best way to start boxing is to find a beginners session at a local club, or try www.englandboxinginsight.com/clubs/finder

Equipment

All you need to get started is some gloves and a punchbag/padded glove

Facts

Great Britain's Nicola Adams became the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal, beating Chinese great Ren Cancan in the flyweight final in London 2012.