Boxing Ring

Early Boxing Rings

Boxing can be found in history all the way back in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It probably originated from hand to hand combat that turned into contests between two individuals for entertainment purposes. Early fights took place completely in the nude, and with no protective equipment. Boxing without protective equipment meant bloodier fights with more serious injuries.

Boundaries, usually in the form of a circle drawn on the ground, were established so that contenders would remain within a certain area for the duration of the fight. The original circle boxing rings remained just so until the late 1700s. The term “boxing ring” is still used, and would imply that the surface is circular, like a ring worn on the finger.

This is not the case nowadays, as modern day boxing rings are square. The first documented square boxing ring in history appeared in 1838. This particular ring was said to be 24 square feet and featured two ropes.

Boxing Ring Size

The size of a boxing ring can vary, since there are various professional governing bodies associate with the sport, such as the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Organization, and European Boxing Union. Boxing rings are perfect squares, featuring equal lengths on all sides. Ring dimensions fall between 16 and 25 square feet.

Ring construction is similar throughout the sport; it is atop a raised box so that fans can see the action more easily. The raised platform height varies, and can extend from three to four feet above the ground. The base of the platform is covered with some sort of padding, usually at least one inch thick and covered in canvas for safety reasons. Usually there are four ropes at different heights suspended around the perimeter from posts. These ropes are normally quite thick.

Action In The Ring

Most boxing action takes places right in or near the area surrounding the center of the boxing ring. Boxers try to stay in areas where they can move about the most, since it is quite easy to hit someone if they are standing still. Staying in the center also prevents the contestants from inadvertently falling into the ropes after a punch or maneuver. There are special techniques that engage the ropes surrounding the boxing ring. In one such technique, known as “rope-a-dope”, a boxer allows his opponent to push him back into the ropes and deliver many punches, wearing the opponent down. The boxer then surprises the opponent by retaliating with powerful and strategically placed blows.