Boxing

Referred to as the “sweet science,” evidence suggests that the sport of boxing has existed since early civilization. Boxing was a sporting competition in the ancient Olympic games and continues to have a strong sport presence in modern times. Boxing is a dichotomous sport, as it has various facets of appeal and disdain. In its malign, the sport has been identified as being an excessively brutal activity with controversial connections to gambling and organized crime.

Boxing displays gender differences and inequalities that have shaped its development in our culture. The sport has been directly linked with gender ideology, as scholars have denoted the intrinsically masculine nature of the activity. Boxing is an exciting and captivating sport. Along with the associated excitement, there are various trepidations associated with boxing; primary concerns include the inherent risk of injury or death. With such serious apprehensions, one may wonder why individuals, both participants and spectators, would choose to partake in a sport that has been described as “blood thirsty” and “barbaric.”

Boxing is an anomaly in regard to socially accepted forms of athletic participation in the United States. The sport gained mainstream appeal when the U.S. government endorsed boxing as a means to develop self-discipline and to prepare soldiers for combat during the early 20th century. Throughout the course of modern history, however, the sport experienced various controversies and criticism that damaged its appeal and acceptance as a reputable form of competition. Inherently tied to masculinity and brutality, questions can be raised as to why women would want to participate in such a brutal, violent sport.

Ironically, it was the threat of violence that motivated women to participate in boxing during the latter half of the 20th century. Boxing became a sport women could learn to protect themselves from the threat of male predators or abusive spouses. Furthermore, the women's liberation movement and Title IX of the Educational Amendments allowed greater access to the sport of boxing. Following a series of lawsuits, the United States Amateur Boxing Federation and USA Boxing began sanctioning women's matches in 1993. In 1997, USA Boxing hosted the first official Women's National Championship, followed by the inaugural World Championships in 2001.

Boxing displays gender differences and inequalities that have shaped its development in modern society.