Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Boxing

Boxing is one of the oldest and most competitive combat sports out there. The earliest evidence of boxing can be traced back to archaeological findings from ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Sumer, and Greece, with the earliest visual evidence including carvings and reliefs depicting two men engaged in combat.

For centuries, fans have tuned in to see boxers slug it out in the ring, with their right arms often drawn back, ready to strike. Boxing is more than which fighter packs the heaviest punch; speed, mentality, and defence are all pivotal in deciding which boxer will emerge victorious.

Usually, two boxers (historically, men and women’s boxing is gaining in popularity) box each other with only their fists until one of them is knocked out.

Combined with a long history of controversial and colourful characters, boxing is indeed an entertaining sport, not merely a test of strength, speed, and an iron will to win.

In ancient times, fighters often fought in unsanctioned bouts until one acknowledged defeat. These early matches were intense battles between two men, sometimes incorporating wrestling techniques, highlighting the combative and strategic elements of the sport.

The basics of boxing

Although deemed as violent, boxing is neither a street fight or brawl like MMA.

Boxing’s rules are set to ensure injury to boxers is reduced and to provide entertainment to the watching fans. Before a boxing match, a rules meeting is held in which all the rules particular to the upcoming match are explained. A technical knockout (TKO) can occur if a boxer is unable to continue safely due to injury, fatigue, or the clear dominance of one fighter over another. If one participant is unable to defend themselves or continue, the fight may be stopped by the referee.

During a boxing match, there are 12 rounds, each lasting between two or three minutes, with a one-minute rest period in between.

To prevent injury inside the boxing ring and from the match degenerating into a rowdy brawl, there are specific rules that prevent boxers from doing any of the following:

• No grabbing onto the ropes
• No biting of an opponent’s ears
• No eye gouging
• No striking an opponent below the belt (these are considered low blows and are strictly prohibited)
• No hitting an opponent when they are down on the canvas floor
• No excessive holding or grappling
• No kicking
• No striking with elbows, forearms or slapping. Only fists can be used
• No head butting

Committing any of the above acts results in a foul, causing the match judges to deduct points. The referee will disqualify consistent offenders if they are unable to safely continue. Additionally, a match can be stopped if a boxer renders their opponent incapable of continuing. Additional rules may apply to specific matches, covering unique stipulations or procedural details.

Boxing equipment and ring

The boxing ring has a canvas surface raised 1.22m on a platform with flexible ropes enclosing the “ring.” Ring sizes vary, but Olympic boxing allows rings up to 6.1m wide.

Boxers do not box with their bare knuckles, their hands are wrapped up in bandages and then wear gloves made from padded leather. Amateur fighters will usually wear headgear as well.

Scoring in Boxing

Boxing judges in professional boxing score on a 10-point scale, with most rounds ending 10-9, the dominant boxer receiving 10 points.

Should a boxer be knocked down, they will lose a point. Knocked down twice, two points are deducted. If both fighters are knocked down, then the points cancel each other out. A knockout can significantly impact the scoring, often leading to an immediate end to the match.

Should the judge find that both boxers have competed evenly then, both fighters receive 10 points.

Referees can also deduct points for intentional fouls as per the examples written above, although this usually occurs after a warning. Point deductions can be crucial, especially if a boxer is already losing on the scorecards.

Ultimately, judges assess boxing fights by looking for the following:

• Clean and hard punches – fighters may land many punches, but if they are blocked, then they are not having an impact. Judges are looking for hard punches that hit their mark or knock-out punches.
• Commanding the ring – Boxers who enforce their will and style in the role, effectively controlling the action.
• Defensive actions – is the boxer blocking punches, slipping up? Top defensive actions are taken into effect.
• Aggression – Asserting dominance and being aggressive is when a fighter is avoiding opponents punches and landing their own effectively.

Achieving victory in a boxing match can come through several methods, with a boxer winning by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or by judges’ decision. When a boxer wins, they are declared the victor, and these wins—whether by KO, TKO, or decision—are officially recorded and contribute to the boxer’s professional record and reputation.

Boxing scorecards

Boxing fights can last until the 10th round. Judges (there are three of them) then use scorecards to determine the winning boxer:

• Draw – when either two judges ruled the contest a draw or one thought one opponent has won, another the other player, and the third judge deeming it a draw.
• Split decision – When two out of three judges picked one opponent winning whilst the third judge said the other player won.
• Majority decision – Similar to a split decision, except the third judge called a draw instead.
• Unanimous decision – All three judges pick the same fighter winning the match.

The official outcome is declared based on the judges’ scorecards, which can significantly impact betting results.

Boxing weight divisions

In boxing, so that fights are more evenly matched, fighters are divided by their weight. No boxer is allowed to fight another who has a higher or lower weight, thus, remaining in their weight division.

The most popular weight division that is watched by fans alike is the “heavyweight” division, which has been in continuance since 1884 and is unlimited upper weight but heavier than 90.72kg.

Speed or power in boxing fighting styles?

Fans love to watch boxers land punches into each other, roaring on the fighters to use their power to land the knock-out punch. In boxing, the fist is the primary weapon, delivering both power and speed in every punch. A tremendous right hand can turn the tide of a boxing match, showcasing the significance of a single, impactful strike. This is understandably why fans are more fascinated with power fighters than those with speed.

However, power isn’t everything.

The top boxers, although they have power, focus more on speed with the benefit that being faster than their opponent enables them to land more punches. Boxers typically use combinations of punches and engage in tactical maneuvers to outscore their opponents without necessarily knocking them out.

Boxers that are quick off the draw and can deliver a straight punch faster than their opponent’s win more fights because, even if they are hit, they can respond quickly and still land more punches in.

Styles in boxing can be generally categorized into three main types: out-fighter, brawler, and in-fighter.

• Out-fighters maintain distance and rely on speed, using longer punches like jabs to wear down opponents.
• Brawlers prioritise power over technique and are known for landing heavy punches to knock out opponents.
• In-fighters use aggression and close-quarters fighting, often employing hooks and uppercuts in their approach.

Pre-fight mentality and trash-talking in boxing

You often hear a fighter or coach say that fighting is 50% mental and 50% physical. That’s why before major fights begin, fighters “trash-talk” their opponents in the hope that they will doubt their ability to win their upcoming match.

Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali; all were excellent at mentally denigrating their opponents. However, there is another reason. Tyson Fury is another example of a famous boxer who uses mental tactics to gain an edge over his opponents.

Fighters make money on marketing their boxing fights; in other words, the more tickets they sell, the more money they will make. Making provocative statements about their opponents in front of the media guarantees more media and public attention, equating to higher ticket sales.

Floyd Mayweather said it best, “love me or hate me, you will pay to watch me fight.”

Boxing’s heyday may be in years gone by, but the fury and attraction of the sport are still immensely popular worldwide, with boxing match “super-fights” selling out courtside and watched by millions through TV audiences. Knowing these basics to boxing mean that you have enough to begin watching and betting on your first boxing match.

Boxing legends and hall of fame

Boxing is a sport built on the shoulders of giants—fighters whose names echo through history and whose achievements have shaped the ring for generations. For boxing fans, understanding the legacy of these legendary boxers is essential to truly knowing the game.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), located in Canastota, New York, stands as the sport’s most prestigious institution for honoring the greatest boxers and contributors. Since its founding in 1989, the IBHOF has celebrated the careers of iconic fighters like Muhammad Ali, whose charisma and skill made him a global superstar both inside and outside the ring. Ali’s legacy, along with that of other legends such as Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, and Sugar Ray Robinson, continues to inspire new generations of boxers and fans alike.

The Hall of Fame’s selection process is rigorous, with a committee of boxing experts and historians voting on which boxers, trainers, promoters, and journalists deserve induction. To be eligible, a boxer must be retired for at least five years and have left a significant mark on the sport. This ensures that only the most influential and accomplished fighters—those who have truly changed the game—are enshrined.

British boxing has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with fighters like Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank Jr, and Anthony Joshua capturing world titles and the imagination of fans. Tyson Fury, in particular, has become a symbol of British boxing’s modern era, combining technical skill with a larger-than-life personality that draws crowds to major fights from London’s Copper Box Arena to Las Vegas. These fighters have helped put British boxing back in the global spotlight, inspiring a new wave of fans and future champions.

The Hall of Fame also recognises the achievements of female boxers, reflecting the sport’s growing diversity. Champions like Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor have broken new ground, proving that the ring is a place for all fighters to showcase their talent and determination.

For those passionate about the sport, visiting the IBHOF or other boxing halls of fame is a unique way to connect with boxing’s storied past. These museums offer a treasure trove of memorabilia, from gloves worn in historic bouts to photographs capturing unforgettable moments of victory and defeat. Fans can immerse themselves in the stories of their favourite boxers, attend special events, and even meet some of the sport’s living legends.

Ultimately, the Hall of Fame is more than just a museum—it’s a celebration of the fighters, the battles, and the enduring spirit of boxing. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to follow the sport, exploring the legacy of boxing’s greatest legends adds a new dimension to every boxing match you watch. The stories of Ali, Fury, Eubank Jr, and so many others remind us why the ring remains one of the most thrilling stages in all of sports.

How to bet on boxing: know the game

Boxing isn’t just about brute strength—it’s a sport of timing, discipline, and strategic mastery. Whether you follow the spectacle or to place a wager, understanding how bouts are scored, judged, and won gives you a real edge.

Boxing offers a wide range of betting markets. You can wager on:

• Match winner – back the fighter you believe will win.
• Method of victory – decision, knockout, TKO, or disqualification.
• Round betting – bet on the exact round in which the fight will end.
• Total rounds (over/under) – predict how long the fight will last.
• Props and specials – including whether a fighter will be knocked down or if the fight goes the distance.

When one boxer fails to answer the bell, their opponent is declared the winner from the previous round. This outcome, often due to a retirement, is reflected in betting markets.

Savvy bettors don’t rely on hype—they study:

• Fighting styles – some boxers are pressure fighters, others counter-punchers.
• Form and momentum – recent performances tell you a lot about a fighter’s chances.
• Weight class dynamics – moving up or down in weight can impact performance.
• Psychological edge – pre-fight tactics and demeanour can influence outcomes.
• Judging patterns – some judges favour aggression; others favour ring control.

Reading boxing odds correctly is essential. Positive numbers usually indicate underdogs; negative numbers represent favourites. Spotting potential value comes down to understanding these odds and how bookmakers set them.

Unlike seasonal sports such as the NBA, boxing provides betting opportunities throughout the year. With events across various weight classes and countries, there’s always a bout to watch—and bet on.

If you’re new to boxing, explore betting tipsters who specialise in the sport to help shape your early picks. For more experienced bettors, arbitrage software can help uncover value by comparing odds across sportsbooks.