Understanding Boxing: A Guide to the Sport

Boxing is a fantastic traditional sport in that it has no bells and whistles; it’s a simple sport based on two people in the ring throwing punches, but it’s certainly one of the most exciting and skillful, as well as being one of the oldest and most popular.

If you’re looking to learn more about the sport, perhaps take in a game in person or place a bet, here are some facts and tips for understanding boxing.

Outright Winner

Placing a bet on boxing for an outright winner is very simple. In the same way you would when watching a basketball match based on basketball betting tips, where you would bet on which team – home or away – you think will win, with boxing, you can bet on the fighter you think will win. Each fighter will have their own reputation, odds and history in fights if they are one of the big, well-known names.

Newcomers in boxing can be hard to determine, especially if it is their first big fight, but they will still come with odds to prepare you for their potential at winning.

Expected Number of Rounds

You also have the option to bet on how many rounds you think the fight will last. This could be based on the stamina of a particular fighter.

How the Fight Will Be Won

You can bet on not only which fighter you think will be the victor, but how they will win the match, for example through KO.

A Fighter Winning During Specific Rounds

You can bet on which group of rounds you think a fighter will win. For this, it’s handy if you know the history of a fighter, such as their techniques and speed and whether they usually take their time or finish their opponent off early.

A Fighter Winning One Set Round

This is, of course, hard to determine, but you can bet on exactly the round you think a specific fighter will win, as opposed to a group trio of rounds.

The Rules of the Ring

The two fighters in the ring throw punches until one of them is knocked unconscious. However, it isn’t just a fist fight or a no-holds-barred punch out. It takes serious skill, tactics and to follow a strict set of rules. Boxing is an impressive martial art form.

Rules vary depending on the type of boxing match, whether amateur or professional.

No matter the type, boxers are not allowed to commit any of the following:

• Hitting below the belt
• Striking when an opponent is lying on the canvas
• Kicking
• Striking out with elbows, forearms or slapping an opponent
• Head butting
• Biting
• Poking the eyes
• Grabbing the ropes
• Wrestling
• Holding on to an opponent for an extended period of time

These rules work to keep a certain order to the fight, so that it is more about tactics, and more enjoyable for an audience; otherwise, it would be just anarchy in the ring.