8 BOXING FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW
Some Interesting Things Only Insiders May Be Aware Of
8. "LACTIC DRAIN" - FIGHT DAY WORK OUT
On the day of the competition, fighters will perform a 'little shakedown' or mini workout consisting of a jog, skipping, shadow boxing and, sometimes, hand pad work. This is called Lactic Drain and helps the body to wake up in preparation for the fight.
7. ENSWELLS - A COLD METHOD TO REDUCE SWELLING
A small iron shaped piece of steel kept on ice applied to swelling, cuts and abrasions. The cold forces the blood away from the damaged area while localizing more pressure than a conventional bag of ice.
The cut-man will also apply Vaseline between rounds to help punches slide off the coagulated cuts.
The cut-man will also apply Vaseline between rounds to help punches slide off the coagulated cuts.
6. THE DIMENSIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL BOXING RING
A professional boxing is usually 20 feet x 20 feet and 4 feet high. Considering the ring apron (edge outside of the ropes, this only leaves 16 to 17 feet of fighting area.
5. WHICH FIGHTER ENTERS FIRST??
The 'Home' fighter, sometimes referred to the 'A' side, will generally enter the ring after his opponent. In some cases, the most popular fighter or the championship title holder will enter second regardless of who is the hometown fighter.
In most cases this is to build the anticipation for the fans and show respect to the fighter.
In most cases this is to build the anticipation for the fans and show respect to the fighter.
4. SCORING FOR THE WIN - "DON'T LEAVE IT TO THE JUDGES!!"
A boxer's goal is always to defeat his or her opponent with a knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO), not leaving it to the judges to decide as this often results in what some may say is a bad or unfair decision. However, when you do leave it to the judges, these are the types of decisions you might see.
- Unanimous Decision - All 3 three judges score the fight in favor of the same boxer (even when it's by one point)
- Split Decision - 1 judge scores one boxer while the other two judges score the other.
- Majority Decision - 2 judges pick the same winner and 1 judge calls it a draw (Even score between both fighters)
- Majority Draw - 2 judges score the fight even and 1 judge picks the winner.
- Split Draw - 1 judge scores one fighter. The second judge picks the other and 1 judge considers it a draw.
3. LET THE BLOOD RUN BACK TO YOUR ARMS
When a fighter returns to his/her corner during the round break, often, he or she feels the urge to rest their arms by placing their elbows on the ropes. You can recognize an astute coach when you see him pull the fighter's arms down. It is imperative as it allows the blood to run back into the limbs, oxygenating the muscles as part of the vital recovery during the break.
2. THE CUTMAN - AN UNSUNG HERO
Like a well run and efficient pit crew in Formula 1, a boxer's corner crew can be the difference between winning and losing the fight. Though all the positions have an equally important role, the Cutman often goes unnoticed but, not in the eye of the boxer.
The Cutman must be a natural and experienced in the field, fixing abrasions, utilizing coagulants for bleeds and helping with the recovery process of the athlete while the Chief Cornerman provides instructions. All in a very short minute.
The Cutman must be a natural and experienced in the field, fixing abrasions, utilizing coagulants for bleeds and helping with the recovery process of the athlete while the Chief Cornerman provides instructions. All in a very short minute.
1. IT'S ALL IN THE SHOES - TRICKS OF THE TRADE
In the old days, boxing shoes had leather soles and fighters used to score the bottoms with a blade. Then, on fight night, the trainer would slide a tray full of rosin into the ring for the boxer to step in which would help is shoes stick to the canvas.