But there is much more to a boxing match and this sport's history for that matter. It is more than just a series of punches and jabs to land a blow or to ducking and weaving to try to evade the blows.

While the sport actually does date back to the beginnings of civilization and competition, some of the most intriguing aspects of this sport have come about in the last few decades.

In the modern day matches of today, sometimes a boxing match can seem like it is more about the outrageous characters that come into the ring than it is about the skill and sport of boxing.

However, a flamboyant or controversial professional boxer is not all that makes the sport interesting. In fact, there are also constant rumors of corruption within the industry, gambling issues and charges of matches being rigged as well as the claims of ties to organized crime.

But, regardless of the intrigue behind the scenes, for most people this sport match grips them and brings them alive in the moment as their favorite or hated competitor faces-off.

Of course, the fans know full well that in the next few moments, one of the boxers in the ring could be awarded with the glory of victory or the shame of defeat. Sometimes tragedy will befall a competitor, which is always a possibility that lurks in the dark corners of the matches.

All of these elements combine to make a boxing match one of the most exciting sporting events to be attended, at least for those who are big fans of the sport.

Of course, there are many critics of this sport who are not in the least excited by the prospects of a fighter, even one willing to do battle and being permanently hurt just for the sake of a sport.

But, it should be remembered that a professional boxing match should never be compared to a street fight or a barroom brawl. There are strict rules that the boxers must adhere to in order to reduce the incidence of serious injury to the participants and also to keep the action going so that it holds the interest of the fans.

The rules of this sport do vary to some degree between the different boxing organizations. There are specific amateur rules, which are also Olympic rules, and there are professional rules.

However, there are even some differences in rules between the different professional organizations of this sport. So before a major bout takes place, a meeting is generally held to clarify which set of rules will govern the match.

There are some things that are never allowed during a professional boxing match, such as: head butting, hitting below the belt, striking an opponent who is "down" on the canvas, using elbows and forearms, kicking, biting of ears (official rule determined thanks to Mike Tyson) or grabbing the ropes.