We know that Greek boxers wore gloves in competition, but these were not the padded boxing gloves that we see in this sport competitions today. In fact, the gloves of Greek boxers were more like simple wrappings that covered their hands and their arms up to their elbows. Other than these gloves, the boxers of ancient Greek times were otherwise completely naked during their competitions.

The term "boxing" was first introduced and used in England in the beginning of the 18th century. This sport history mentions that this term was established to help in distinguishing between a fight that was engaged upon to settle dispute from the type of fighting that was presented for sport and carried out under a set of strict rules.

In these modern days of sports boxing, the term describes the sport that involves two contestants, or boxers, who are fully outfitted with padded gloves, protective head gear and mouth guards.

The boxers face-off for competition in a boxing ring and they fight through an established number of fighting rounds or until one of the boxers knocks-out the other one. They also are monitored by a referee who is on hand to be sure that the fighters operate under the recognized and accepted rules of this sport.

Throughout boxing history, men have made up the largest group of this sport participants and this is still the case today. However, more and more women are choosing to participate in this sport, both for the competitive aspects of it and also because it is a good physical workout with many health benefits as well.

Interestingly, many people are surprised to learn that women have been participating in this sport much longer than most people would ever suspect. There are actually historical references to fights between female participants dating back to the 18th century.

Women's boxing was established and officially organized in the latter part of the 20th century. This gave the female version of the sport more of a recognized status at that time and it has grown slowly but steadily since.

All through the later years of the 19th century and through all the years of the 20th century, both amateur and professional boxing activities and organizations have operated pretty much in parallel in terms of popularity and interest.

However, unlike the status the professional boxer has been enjoying in the last twenty or so years of the 20th century, amateur boxing seems to have lost a significant segment of its audience and its popularity has declined to a great degree.

Throughout all of boxing history, there have been those who have had serious misgivings about this sport, especially in considering it entertainment.

The major issue has revolved around the safety of the boxers because of some of the long-term health effects that many boxers end up dealing with.