Whether you are an avid fan of boxing or you would like to start training, it is important to know all the buzz words and terms used. This is a global sport that follows the Marquis of Queensberry rules and there are many weight divisions from flyweight to heavyweight and fighters compete according to their weight class.
Here are a few terms that you need to understand about boxing.
- Bout – A scheduled contest between two boxers. There are numerous boxing associations and federation, including WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF and professional fighters are ranked by these governing bodies.
- Purse – The amount of money a boxer is paid for a fight; the promoter would sign a contract with the fighters, agreeing on a purse for each, which might be different. If you would like to learn this art, there are boxing clubs in Reading with top trainers and regular classes.
- RSF – Referee stops fight; when the referee has seen enough, he or she can end the fight, saving the losing boxer from taking further punishment. Of course, this all depends on the individual referee as to if and when they stop the fight. Generally speaking, if a fighter is under serious assault but is answering back with punches of their own, the referee will allow the contest to continue.
- Throwing the towel in – You may have been watching a fight where one corner throws a white towel into the ring, which is a signal to the referee that they wish to stop the fight. If the trainer feels that their boxer is taking too much punishment, they are likely to throw the towel into the ring.
- Split/majority/unanimous decision – There are 3 referees for a bout and after the fight, they each hand in their scorecards to the referee, who calculates the total points. A majority decision is where one fighter is seen to have won the fight by 2 of the judges, with the other judge choosing the other boxer. A split is when 2 judges score the fight equal, with one giving one fighter more points and a UD (unanimous decision) is when all 3 judges see the same winner.
- No contest (NC) – A no contest is declared when one boxer receives an injury, perhaps a cut, that is deemed too serious to allow the boxer to continue. This must occur within the first 4 rounds for it to be a no contest, after which, the points are added up and a winner is announced.
If you wish to start training as a boxer, search online for a local boxing gym and pay them a visit.
