The Deadly Sport of Ancient Boxing

Another post from a series of boxing articles. This time, the primary phrase given to me was ANCIENT BOXING. Compared to its original version, the editing on this one was very minimal, including the italicization parts. Also, this one has a more serious tone than the first posted article here. Finally, note that this article was entirely written in a third person perspective, which is usually the case when I make rather formal compositions.

Description: Ancient boxing paved the way to the combat sport we know today.

Boxing has long been considered one of the toughest sports in history. As merciless as boxing may seem today, the combat sport was even more unforgiving in its early days, to the point that the only way to win a match was to literally kill the opposition.

The brutal sport we know today traced its roots in Europe, particularly in Greece, where its popularity grew immensely. Compared to all the protective gears required in modern boxing, its ancient counterpart only needed two men and a mediator to begin. Participants were chosen randomly and weight divisions were nonexistent. Some of the very first boxing matches in history were even done barenaked. However, when boxing became part of the Olympics in 688 BC, competitors started wearing leather strips or himantes over their hands for stronger hits and body for protection.

Himantes equals pain.

Before coming to prominence, boxing matches were usually held to honor the fallen. There were no boxing rings back then so boxing fights can take place anywhere. This made weather conditions a factor in deciding the outcome of a match. A simple sun glare during a bout could spell life or death for a boxer.

Despite the barbaric nature of ancient boxing, there were unwritten rules upheld during matches. This includes no holds, grapples, wrestling and gouging. Additionally, there were no time limits and matches weren't split into rounds. Once both fighters have reached their limits, they can agree and ask the referee for some time out to recover. If no winner is decided after a lengthy period has passed, a klimax will be held. During this round, the fighters get to punch his opponent without the other blocking it. Whoever wins the coin toss gets to deliver the first blow. This exchange goes on until a winner emerges from the fight.

This boxing stance used to mean business. (Image stolen from here).

Ancient boxing was basically a no holds barred fisticuff. There were no judges, points and split decisions. The match went on until someone dies or concedes. Despite its bloody start, boxing eventually became more regulated and evolved into the exciting sport it is today.

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