The sport of boxing has been around for many more years than most people realize it has. Ancient historians have traced the beginnings of boxing back to 4000 BC during times when the empires of Rome and Greece were engaged in combat. Historians have found records that indicate that boxing, surely known by another name in ancient times, was fought with much more brutality than it is today.

In fact there is some evidence showing that participants often fought until one opponent was dead. Spectators encouraged the fighters to use their fists and metal spikes. Today boxing is safer as stringent regulations have been established to control the sport and protect the fighters.

Both amateur and professional boxing requires the use of gloves, without the spikes, as well as a computer generated score that determines the final outcome of the match. Head gear specifically designed for the sport of boxing is also a safety requirement. Boxing, however, remains one of the bare bones hand-to-hand combats that still exist today.

Boxing is fun for the spectators, as they watch two athletic competitors battling it out. In most cases the participants are matched as to skill, weight and strength. The winner of the match is presented with a trophy to keep in honor of the victory.

You will find it hard to believe that the sport that is so popular in North America was not so till 1800's. Nowadays it is Americans who are at the top of most International boxing competitions.

The popularity of the game has extended beyond all boundaries and the primarily masculine game is now being fought by women. They have entered the boxing ring and overtaken it becoming as experienced as men though they have yet to enter the Olympics arena.

There are many professional boxers who started their boxing careers as amateurs. Some of these well known professional boxers include George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Muhammad Ali, Floyd Patterson, and Oscar De La Hoya.

Boxing is boxing whether it is professional or amateur. The main difference lies in the duration of the matches and the number of rounds. While an amateur match consists of 3 rounds a professional match has at least 12 rounds.

In boxing match if an opponent is knocked out, doesn't get up after even 10 seconds, it results in an automatic win for the other. But if this is not the case then a judge decides the winner on the basis of points.

Age doesn't matter in boxing. People often learn the techniques and training in order to have a different kind of exercise and to work off daily stresses that come with life.

Men however, continue to be its main fans watching each match with bated breath from their respective armchairs.