Boxing is a well-known sport for many, with a variety of types. Broadcast boxing matches can be watched on major sports channels, and it is no less popular to visit them across the Atlantic. Although boxing is popular all over the world, is it really as well known as it is believed? Where and how did the history of this sport begin? What is it like in our country?
The origins of boxing
It is believed that the history of boxing dates back several thousand years. Evidence has been found that this sport was practiced even more than 5000 years ago. This is evidenced by fossils found by archaeologists - figurines depicting people engaged in this sport. Of course, there is no information from those times about how and under what circumstances boxing was practiced, what rules were followed. However, such facts reach us from somewhat later times. It is said that boxing, or rather its predecessor, called boxing, was included in the program of the Olympic Games held in 7 century BC. According to testimonies, in those days there were neither rules nor any equipment - athletes fought barely covering their knuckles and this was done with thin scraps of skin. For these reasons, many and serious injuries were suffered.
Modernization of boxing
Later, as civilization advanced, boxing also changed significantly. In the Middle Ages, not only rules began to appear, but also means of protecting the body. After modernizing this sport, gloves began to be used to soften blows, the space for movement was limited - a ring appeared, as well as the time of the competition - the stages of the fight began to be counted in rounds. Fights were organized by weight categories. The opponent began to be treated with respect, therefore many actions that are still prohibited in traditional boxing today were prohibited, and only punches were used. With the introduction of more rules, a referee began to participate in boxing competitions, whose function has remained unchanged to this day - to monitor whether opponents do not violate the rules or perform unauthorized actions.
Boxing in modern times
Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, boxing was included in the modern Olympic Games. In general, this century is a period of prosperity for boxing. In 1925 , the first European Boxing Championship was held. The event was organized in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Fifty years later, the World Boxing Championship was also held. In 1975 , it was held in Havana, Cuba. Having become increasingly accessible to the public, boxing rapidly gained popularity, which also led to its development as a professional sport. More and more attention was paid to improving the rules, athletes began to be divided into categories (by age, weight). The sport attracted more and more interest, classes were also organized for younger athletes, and youth groups appeared. Although boxing seems to be a rough, aggressive sport, a lot of attention is paid to the safety and health of athletes. The aim is to protect both opponents from injuries and traumas. This goal is undoubtedly best achieved with quality boxing equipment, the choice of which is truly wide these days.
Boxing in Lithuania
The history of boxing in Lithuania dates back about a hundred years. Its founder (and thus the first to enter Lithuanian history) is considered to be S. Darius. He was one of the initiators of this sport in Lithuania, and also contributed to organizing the country's first championship.
The history of boxing in Lithuania is closely intertwined with the history of the country itself. During the Soviet era, a symbol of independence was not only basketball competitions, but also fights in the ring with athletes of Russian nationality.
Over time, boxing in Lithuania has also become more and more modern, today there are many people who practice this sport both professionally and amateurly, and there are many training halls. Athletes make the country famous abroad as well. Lithuanian representatives have repeatedly earned high marks in international competitions, bringing home medals even from the Olympic Games.
Basic boxing rules
There are several types of boxing, but the basic rules apply everywhere. Almost the most important are age and gender groups - fights can only take place between opponents of the same sex, in their age group. Also important is the weight category - the weight of the opponents can differ by only a few kilograms. The fight time is calculated in rounds (usually there are three, women compete in four, but shorter). The use of guards is also strictly regulated.
Boxing equipment and protection
Both during fights and training, it is very important for athletes to use protection - tools that help prevent injuries to hands, feet, teeth. An inaccurate movement into a punching bag during training can have serious consequences if these safety requirements are not followed, but this is not the only reason - athletes must also wear protection during fights for the sake of their opponent, otherwise they could seriously injure him. Respect for the opponent is one of the most important rules of boxing.
In addition to protective gear, every athlete needs training equipment. Usually, these are punching bags or punching bags. In the first case, an assistant is needed to hold the punching bags, in the second, a space where the bag can be hung or placed.
The most famous boxing goods manufacturers
The choice of boxing goods – equipment, protection – is quite wide. There are quite a few manufacturers offering their products. One of the most famous of them is “Ben Lee”. “Ben Lee” products are loved and recognized in many countries of the world. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of various products: from gloves, elastic bandages to punching bags. These are high-quality products, which can be made of both natural and artificial leather, and have become a loyal companion of many athletes. “Ben Lee” products can always be found in our catalog.