Amateur Boxing is Not Fighting!

The first topic assigned to me was BOXING. This particular article is about amateur boxing. Besides expanding a phrase like "amateur boxing" into 300+ words, we were also tasked to give each piece an attractive description, as well as unique tags and keywords.

I used to think my works were ok, to say the least. But after reading the original version of this one, I had to say it was a bit subpar for my taste. So I decided to improve a few phrases without messing up the tone of each sentence. I also added an image for additional visual stimulation. We all know that all words and no jpegs make websites a dull read. Anyway, this composition was one of my earliest attempts to be funny and informative at the same time.

Description: Amateur boxing can be more complicated than the pros. However, it can be easier to win if you know how.

Amateur boxing is not as easy as it looks. First, you have to memorize a lot of rules even before stepping into a boxing ring so to make sure that a boxer's brain isn't too damaged after a fight, there are only four rounds lasting two minutes each in amateur boxing. Furthermore, amateur boxing gloves should weigh exactly 10 ounces so once a boxer lands a punch to your headgear, it's like you didn't feel a thing.

You see, amateur boxing is more concerned in protecting the fighters. That is why referees get to stop a match if a boxer starts bleeding. This is a subtle message from the league telling you that “someone in the arena might have an infectious disease so we are protecting you from contracting it”. Boxers with hidden medical conditions will eventually be exposed. Better move up to the pros instead because people there thrive in cuts and lacerations.

An amateur match may be halted if the referee thinks you are overmatched, or in other words, a wimp. That means you have to make sure your knees are not shaking, though the referee won't notice if excessive perspiration is pouring out from your forehead. The good news is you can just fake a stomach ache and tell the referee you can't go on any further. The bad news is that you lose, your opponent wins and you'll probably be beaten down by your coach and teammates, without the boxing gear.

Ah, yes. If only amateur boxing meant these kinds of amateurs.

Another obstacle in amateur boxing is that minors should have a consent form signed by their parents. Just try and ask your folks if it would be alright for you to punch someone in the face. If they say no the first time, tell them that your opponent will have a helmet on. If your parents turn you down again because they don't tolerate fighting, tell them that it isn't a fight. In the amateurs, the technical term that refers to two people exchanging blows is a bout.

If there is any consolation, judges and referees have to memorize these rules too. However for the boxer, not only do you have to remember these regulations, you also have to wear uniforms that would make Tim Gunn vomit. The worst part is that losers usually get nothing so it doesn't make much of a difference if you quit or get knocked out.

Word Count = 396 (300 word limit)