Page 109 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

History

of a puritanical bent.To this day the tug of war between
the allure and revulsion of two men hitting each other
has molded the history of boxing --- particularly prize
fighting or professional boxing. Issues of legality,
morality and race have defined, influenced and plagued
the sport every step of the way.

White Hat, Black Hat: Amateur vs. Professional
In 1880 the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) was
established in England. This was the forerunner of
numerous organizations that organize and promote ama-
teur boxing and boxing competition for all age groups.
The United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. (USA Boxing ---
formerly known as the United States Amateur Boxing
Federation) --- has governed men’s (and now women’s)
amateur boxing in the United States since 1888.

It should be strongly noted at this point that the paths of
professional and amateur boxing took different direc-
tions, and today stand in sharp contrast with each other.
Although the professional ranks are,by and large,replen-
ished from amateurs, the boxing that they each repre-
sent is altogether different.

The intent of amateur boxing is to showcase
boxing skills. Scoring is based on all punches that land
cleanly.The force of those blows or their effect doesn’t
count (haymakers score the same as jabs). Bouts are
short and carefully supervised. Boxers wear protective
headgear (since 1948) as well as specially designed
gloves. Safety is a major concern.

The professionals showcase boxing and slugging.
Although a skillful fighter is appreciated, throughout

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