A prospect is a promising fighter, often young, who is rising through the ranks with the intention of one day being a contender for a title. When they reach the higher levels and have an impressive win to loss ratio, they are often referred to as a top prospect. At this time they may haveContinue reading “What Is A Top Prospect?”
Category Archives: Jargon
What Is A Gatekeeper?
The informal name applied to the status of a boxer who is well skilled, high ranking and who would provide a test for another fighter who aims to become a contender. They are higher status than a journeyman, so the prestige of beating one is greater, but they are not currently themselves a likely titleContinue reading “What Is A Gatekeeper?”
What Is Heart In Boxing?
Watch the video above to give your eyes a break and your ears a treat. In the context of boxing ‘heart’ is more about mentality than the body. Although the physical conditioning of boxers is vital, it is a determination, conviction and drive to perform that fans and commentators mean when discussing the ‘heart’ ofContinue reading “What Is Heart In Boxing?”
Why Is It Called A Ring?
In the past, boxers would fight in a circular area, sometimes with a rope around the edge, resembling a ring. The name has stuck ever since, even when the standard shape for a fighting zone became square. As boxing evolved and rules began to be standardised, ropes around the sides of the ring were introduced,Continue reading “Why Is It Called A Ring?”
What Is A Contender?
A high level boxer who is considered to be worthy of a title shot, or likely to get one soon. Due to the politics of boxing and the alphabet soup of titles, there is a lot of negotiation and involvement when setting up fights, but the contenders are the top ranking fighters with realistic hopesContinue reading “What Is A Contender?”
What Is A Tune-Up Fight?
A professional boxer may choose to take a fight to keep their boxing skills sharp, to avoid ‘ring rust’ or to add to their win or knockout tally. They do this by fighting opponents with seemingly lesser skills, and where it is considered to be a relatively easy win for them. They may choose toContinue reading “What Is A Tune-Up Fight?”
What Is A Mandatory Eight Count?
When a boxer is knocked down, the referee begins his normal ten count. Even if the boxer gets up before eight, the referee is required to continue the count to eight. This gives the downed boxer an extra few seconds to regain their composure before continuing the bout. It was introduced to protect the boxerContinue reading “What Is A Mandatory Eight Count?”
What Is A Standing Eight Count?
This rule was introduced to protect a boxer who is taking heavy damage, and even though they have not been knocked down, the referee would break the fighters and begin a count to eight. If the boxer can continue, the fight resumes and they have had a short break from fighting. It is no longerContinue reading “What Is A Standing Eight Count?”
What’s The Difference Between a KO and TKO?
A Knockout (KO) and Technical Knockout (TKO) are two ways a fight can be stopped before going the distance. The main difference is whether a boxer is able to beat the ten count after being knocked down – with or without a loss of consciousness. If they can’t, the result is a knockout win. IfContinue reading “What’s The Difference Between a KO and TKO?”
What Is A Rabbit Punch?
A punch to the back of the head or base of the skull from behind. It is an illegal punch in boxing, due to the danger it poses to the receiving boxer. It can cause severe injury, and even death. Why are rabbit punches so dangerous? The area at the base of the skull isContinue reading “What Is A Rabbit Punch?”
Boxing Unboxed 