Elite Boxing Research Articles

Fighting for Family and Glory: Hope, Racialization, and Exploitation in a U.S. Boxing Gym

Relaying on years of ethnographic research and boxers’ life stories, this article examines how boxers from racialized and marginalized communities hope for family and glory in a Midwestern U.S. gym. Hope for family is embraced by youth and young adults who develop familial ties with trainers and fellow boxers. Hope for glory begins in gyms but ultimately must be sought in competitive arenas of elite amateur tournaments and professional boxing. Competitive arenas, however, exists in sociocultural systems that capitalize on the brutalization and exploitation of racialized bodies as boxing fanatics crave blood, pain, and concussions. In these contexts, boxers’ hope for glory is fulfilled through exploitation—both physical and cultural—of their collective bodies; and hope for glory compromises the relationships and sense of community that are established as boxers pursue hope for family.

The Test-Retest Reliability of Bilateral and Unilateral Force Plate-Derived Parameters of the Countermovement Push-Up in Elite Boxers.

Maximal power describes the ability to immediately produce power with the maximal velocity at the point of release, impact, and/or take off-the greater an athlete's ability to produce maximal power, the greater the improvement of athletic performance. In reference to boxing performance, regular consistent production of high muscular power during punching is considered an essential prerequisite. Despite the importance of upper limb power to athletic performance, presently, there is no gold standard test for upper limb force development performance. To investigate the test-retest reliability of the force plate-derived measures of countermovement push-up in elite boxers. Test-retest design. High Performance Olympic Training Center. Eighteen elite Olympic boxers (age = 23 [3]y; height = 1.68 [0.39]m; body mass = 70.0 [17]kg). Participants performed 5 repetitions of countermovement push-up trials on FD4000 Forcedeck dual force platforms on 2 separate test occasions 7days apart. Peak force, mean force, flight time, rate of force development, impulse, and vertical stiffness of the bilateral and unilateral limbs from the force-time curve. No significant differences between the 2 trial occasions for any of the derived bilateral or unilateral performance measures. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated moderate to high reliability for performance parameters (intraclass correlation coefficients = .68-.98) and low coefficient of variation (3%-10%) apart from vertical stiffness (coefficient of variation = 16.5%-25%). Mean force demonstrated the greatest reliability (coefficient of variation = 3%). In contrast, no significant differences (P < .001) were noted between left and right limbs (P = .005-.791), or between orthodox or southpaw boxing styles (P = .19-.95). Force platform-derived kinetic bilateral and unilateral parameters of countermovement push-up are reliable measures of upper limb power performance in elite-level boxers; results suggest unilateral differences within the bilateral condition are not the norm for an elite boxing cohort.

Examination of Physical and Physiological Parameters of National Level Boxers at Age Range of 11–13

Delivering successful performance in sports depends on physical fitness. Unless the physical and physiological structure is in accordance with the requirements of the sports branch, a high performance in sports cannot be realized fully (&amp;Ccedil;akmak&amp;ccedil;ı, 2002). Therefore, it is important to define and improve performance parameters such as body composition, anaerobic-aerobic endurance, capacity and strength in boxing. Accordingly, In this study, it is aimed to examine the physical and physiological fitness parameters of tiny natioanal boxers between 11&amp;ndash;13 years of age. The research was carried out on 12 boxing athletes between 11&amp;ndash;13 years of age in the tiny national category in Kırıkkale province. In statistical analysis, normality was understood by Shapiro-Wilk test and descriptive statistics method was used to define the data. In this study, maximum oxygen consumption capacity (VO2) maxs, lung functional volumes, hand grip strength levels and body composition measurements of boxing athletes were evaluated. The mean of (VO2) max values of the participants were measured 44.17 &amp;plusmn; 8.45. Also in correlation analysis, a high relationship was found at (VO2) max BMR; r = -750, p = 0.01 level between maximal oxygen consumption capacity and basal metabolic rate However, in oxygen consumption capacity and body composition variables, The negatively significant level relationships were found at levels of (VO2) max; body fat percentage (FM), r = -696, p = 0.05, lean body mass (FFM), r = -666, p = 0.05; body mass index (BMI), r = -763, p = 0.01). As a result, in this study, identification and relationship were determined about performance data in physical and physiological fitness parameters of tiny elite boxing athletes and a data about this age group was created in boxing athletes for future studies.

Difference of stability between two elite boxing groups: a preliminary study

Boxing is a very physical combat sport, which requires a great coordination to succeed in the strikes while avoiding the attacks of the opponent. Boxing is also a non-symmetrical sport, the right a...

엘리트 복싱선수의 운동정체성이 역할갈등에 미치는 영향 : 경기력 수준별 다집단 분석

엘리트 복싱선수의 운동정체성이 역할갈등에 미치는 영향 : 경기력 수준별 다집단 분석

Transference Effect of Short-Term Optimum Power Load Training on the Punching Impact of Elite Boxers.

Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Kobal, R, Fernandes, V, Reis, VP, Romano, F, Alves, M, Freitas, TT, and McGuigan, M. Transference effect of short-term optimum power load training on the punching impact of elite boxers. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2373-2378, 2021-This study examined the changes in bench press (BP), jump squat (JS), and half-squat (HS) power outputs induced by a short-term (1 week) training scheme based on the optimum power load (OPL) applied to national boxing athletes and measured the transference effect coefficient (TEC) of these exercises on punching impact. Eight elite boxing athletes from the Brazilian National team participated in this study. Athletes were tested before and after 3 power-oriented training sessions performed at the OPL. The physical assessments comprised punching impact measures (jabs and crosses) at fixed and self-selected distances, and bar-power output in BP, HS, and JS exercises. Magnitude-based differences were used to compare pre-training and post-training sessions. Transference effect coefficient was calculated as the ratio between the result gain in the "untrained exercises" (punching impact in jabs and crosses) and "trained exercises" (HS, JS, and BP), for variables presenting an effect size of at least 0.2. The OPL training elicited meaningful increases in the punching impact forces (∼8%) and in both JS and HS power outputs (∼12 and ∼14%, respectively), but not in BP power output. There was an effective transference (TEC = ∼0.80) of JS and HS performance gains to punching impact force, suggesting that increases in lower-limb power can be directly transferred to punching impact. These results provide coaches and practitioners with valuable information about how to rapidly and effectively increase the punching impact force of elite amateur boxers.

2017국가대표 복싱선수 선발과정 오류에 관한 내러티브 탐구

The purpose of this study is to analyze the selection process of formal boxing players in Korea and find ways to improve the national competitiveness by selecting experienced boxing athletes with high experience and skills in international competitions. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study, participants were chosen from the successful 2016 National Sports Festival unemployment team. Among this team, 3 men and women who did not participate in the 2017 National Boxing Tournament, one elite boxing association executive, one National Boxing team leader, and three unemployment team leaders were chosen as research participants. The results were as follows: First, the 2017 national boxing match is a formal game in which most high-match unemployed players are absent. Second, the 2017 national boxing squad selection process was conducted without considering domestic characteristics and only focusing according to the AIBA rules. Third, the lack of financial rewards and rigorous lifestyle at the Korean National Training Center went against the mindset of the unemployed team members who would rather avoid hard exercise in favor of personal comfort.

‘I don’t think they realise how good we are’: Innovation, inclusion and exclusion in women’s Olympic boxing

Marginalisation and exclusion of women in elite boxing has emerged as a substantial international problem, threatening women’s democratic right to equal participation in sport. Since the London 2012 Olympic Games women’s boxing has been an Olympic event. However, only 3 of the 10 weight categories were included in the Olympic programme for women. Today, male boxers compete in 10 out of 10 possible weight categories. While female boxers have gained accessed to a previously closed realm, discrimination, exclusion and unequal treatment of female athletes remains a widespread problem in international elite boxing. This article explores how the introduction of women’s boxing into the Olympic Games involves practices of inclusion and exclusion in elite boxing. In particular, this analysis focuses on the following two research questions: (a) how practices of social exclusion and inclusion affect the involvement and engagement of women in boxing; and (b) how, and in what ways, female boxers have experienced recognition and acceptance in elite boxing after the introduction of women’s boxing into the Olympic Games. Using a qualitative approach including document analysis of official press releases from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (AIBA), as well as interviews with athletes and coaches, this study reveals that although women’s boxing has gained access to the Olympics, the structural and cultural changes that comprise the social inclusion of women in boxing are yet to be implemented.

Performance Aspects and Physiological Responses in Male Amateur Boxing Competitions: A Brief Review.

Slimani, M, Chaabène, H, Davis, P, Franchini, E, Cheour, F, and Chamari, K. Performance aspects and physiological responses in male amateur boxing competitions: a brief review. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1132-1141, 2017-Boxing is one of the most popular striking combat sports in the world. The aim of this review was to present data concerning performance analysis (time-motion and technical-tactical analysis) and physiological responses (i.e., blood lactate concentration [BLC], heart rate, and oxygen consumption) during novice and elite male simulated and official amateur boxing competitions in any age category. The present review shows that boxing competition is a high-intensity intermittent striking combat sport. Typically, the activity-to-rest ratio was higher in elite (18:1) than in novice (9:1) boxers and significant differences were observed between rounds (first round = 16:1, second round = 8:1, and third round = 6:1) in novice boxers. Thus, total stop-time and total stop-frequency increased over subsequent rounds in novice boxers. The technical-tactical aspects in elite and novice boxing bouts were different between rounds and dependent on the match outcome (i.e., winners vs. losers). Particularly, the current review highlights that triple-punch combinations, total combinations, block- and counter-punch combinations, total punches to the head, technical performance effectiveness, and defensive- and offensive-skills effectiveness may have contributed to win in novice and elite boxing competitions. Higher frequencies of technical movements were also observed in elite compared with novice boxers. From a physiological point of view, BLC increased significantly from postround 1 compared with postround 3 in novice boxing match. BLC was also higher in official than in simulated elite boxing matches in senior compared with junior boxers and in medium heavy-weight category compared with light- and medium-weight categories in junior boxing competition. A higher percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) were reported in round 3 compared with rounds 2 and 1 in elite boxing competition. In conclusion, these data are useful for both technical-tactical and physical conditioning sessions. Coaches and fitness trainers are encouraged to adjust their training according to these particular characteristics, specifically in terms of age, participants' level, weight categories, and combat contest type.

Lower cathelicidin concentrations in Irish athletes compared to controls: a role for vitamin D?

The biologically active vitamin D metabolite (1[alpha]-dihydroxyvitamin D) has been linked to regulation of human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (LL-37) in vitro. Recent studies in athletes indicate that vitamin D inadequacy is associated with lower concentrations of LL-37 and that this may increase risk of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). PURPOSE: To compare circulating LL-37 concentrations between athletes and healthy controls and to establish if total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was a significant determinant of this antimicrobial peptide.METHODS: A total of 221 stored, fasted plasma samples from male and female athletes (elite rugby n=12, elite boxing n=12, Gaelic football n=77) and age and sex-matched healthy controls (n=120) were analysed in duplicate for LL-37 concentrations using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total 25(OH)D concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as part of the previous studies. Comparison of 25(OH)D and LL-37 concentrations between athletes and controls was made using Mann-Whitney U tests. Linear regression was used to test if 25(OH)D concentration was a significant determinant of LL-37 concentration after adjusting for season of sampling.RESULTS: Median [IQR] 25(OH)D concentrations were 49.76[39.37] and 28.90[23.55] nmol/L for athletes and healthy controls respectively, P<0.001. LL-37 concentrations were significantly lower in athletes compared to healthy controls (26.92[17.04] versus 47.91[59.93] ng/mL respectively, P<0.001). Nevertheless 25(OH)D was not found to be a significant determinant of LL-37 concentration in athletes ([beta]=0.052, P=0.611) or healthy controls ([beta]=0.170, P=0.224).CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings demonstrate a significant difference in LL-37 concentration between athletes and the general population. Yet the significant positive association between 25(OH)D and LL-37 concentrations reported in endurance athletes may not apply to those competing in intermittent sports; possibly owing to a decreased likelihood of experiencing exercise-induced immunosuppression resulting from prolonged high-intensity exercise. Further studies are required to determine if lower LL-37 concentrations translate into athletes being at greater risk of URTI than the general population.

Warm-up Practices in Elite Boxing Athletes: Impact on Power Output.

Cunniffe, B, Ellison, M, Loosemore, M, and Cardinale, M. Warm-up practices in elite boxing athletes: Iimpact on power output. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 95-105, 2017-This study evaluated the performance impact of routine warm-up strategies in elite Olympic amateur boxing athletes and physiological implications of the time gap (GAP) between warm-up and boxing activity. Six male boxers were assessed while performing standardized prefight warm-up routines. Core and skin temperature measurements (Tcore and Tskin), heart rate, and upper- and lower-body power output (PO) were assessed before and after warm-up, during a 25-minutes GAP and after 3 × 2 minutes rounds of sparring. Reflected temperature (Tc) was also determined using high-resolution thermal images at fixed time-points to explore avenues for heat loss. Despite individual differences in warm-up duration (range 7.4-18.5 minutes), increases in Tcore and Tskin occurred (p ≤ 0.05). Corresponding increases (4.8%; p ≤ 0.05) in countermovement jump (CMJ) height and upward-rightward shifts in upper-body force-velocity and power-velocity curves were observed. Athletes remained inactive during the 25-minutes GAP with a gradual and significant increase in Tc occurring by the end of GAP suggesting the likelihood of heat loss. Decreases in CMJ height and upper-body PO were observed after 15 minutes and 25 minutes GAP (p ≤ 0.05). By the end of GAP period, all performance variables had returned to pre-warm-up values. Results suggest routine warm-ups undertaken by elite boxers have acute effects on power-generating capacity. Gradual decreases in performance variables are evident with inactivity and seem related to alterations in body temperature. Considering the constraints of major competitions and time spent in air conditioned holding areas before fights, practitioners should be aware of the potential of nullifying the warm-up effects.

Hand and Wrist Injuries in Elite Boxing: A Longitudinal Prospective Study (2005-2012) of the Great Britain Olympic Boxing Squad.

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to explore prospectively the nature and duration of hand and wrist injuries in training and competition in the Great Britain (GB) amateur boxing squad between 2005 and 2012. Methods: Longitudinal prospective injury surveillance of the GB boxing squad was performed from 2005 to 2012. The location, region affected, description, and the duration of each injury were recorded by the team doctor and team physiotherapist. We recorded whether the injury occurred during competition or training and also whether it was a new or a recurrent injury. The injury rate during competition was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 hours. Results: Finger carpometacarpal instability and finger metacarpophalangeal joint extensor hood and capsule sprain also known as "boxer's knuckle" injuries were significantly more common than other injury diagnoses. The number of injuries during training or competition was similar, which is remarkable given the far greater number of training hours than competition hours performed. Injury rate for hand and wrist injuries in competition was 347 injuries per 1000 hours, while the estimated injury rate in training was <0.5 injuries per 1000 hours. Conclusion: Carpometacarpal instability and boxer's knuckle were more common than any other kind of hand and wrist injury in this cohort of elite amateur boxers. The rate of hand and wrist injuries was higher in competition than in training. Our study highlights the importance of hand and wrist injury prevention in the competition environment.

Differences in respirogram phase between elite boxing athletes and nonathletes for healthy science research

Respiratory rehabilitation of health care system is an important way to improve lung function in patients with respiratory dysfunction caused by genetically determined neuropathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and others. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in the respirogram phase between elite boxing athletes and nonathletes. Respiratory function was measured using spirometry in both the athletes and nonathletes while they were in a sitting position. In respirogram phasic analysis, the expiratory area, inspiratory area, and total area of forced vital capacity (FVC) were slightly increased in the nonathletes compared with the boxing athletes. However, the tangents for boxing athletes at slopes 1, 2, and 3 of the A area and 1 of the D area were significantly increased, respectively. Especially, FEV1.0/FVC of spirometry parameters in the athletes was significantly higher than in the nonathletes. In correlative analysis, chest circumference was significantly correlated with ExA, InsA, and Total area of the FVC. The results suggest that the differences in changes in the phases of the respirogram between the elite boxing athletes and nonathletes may in part contribute to our understanding of respiratory function in healthy science research.

Gender difference in relation to emotional intelligence and conflict among Elite boxing players

Objective: The present study is an attempt to investigate the gender difference in relation to emotional intelligence and conflict among boxing players and extending researches that found a strong relationship between these two constructs. Methods: The total 50 Elite boxers participated in the study, out of which 25 are Elite male boxers and 25 Elite female boxers of age 18 and above. Who completed the Emotional Intelligence Test by Anjum and Roqiya and Thomas Killman Conflict Mode Instrument by Kilmann and Thomas. Results: Comparison of means reveals significant gender difference on emotional intelligence, male boxing players have significantly scored higher on emotional intelligence than female boxers. The pattern of handling interpersonal conflict also differ significantly for male and female boxers. Male boxers emphasis more on competing, collaborating and avoiding, whereas female boxers use accommodating and compromising as a mode of handling interpersonal conflict. The correlation analysis reveals insignificant relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict mode for males, however significant but negative relation found between emotional intelligence and avoiding for female boxers, which implies that female boxers who are high in emotional intelligence are less in avoidance.

Somatotype analysis of elite boxing athletes compared with nonathletes for sports physiotherapy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to show somatotype and physical characteristic differences between elite boxing athletes and non-athletes. [Methods] The somatotypes of 23 elite boxing athletes and 23 nonathletes were measured with the Heath-Carter method. The subjects were divided into four weight divisions as follows: lightweight, light middleweight, middleweight, and heavyweight class. [Results] The endomorphic component values of the boxing athletes were lower than those of the nonathletes. However, the mesomorphic component values of the boxing athletes were higher than those of the nonathletes. There was no significant difference in the ectomorphic component between the two groups. The higher weight divisions tended to have higher values of height, weight, and BMI than the lower weight divisions. The higher weight divisions also tended to have higher values for the endomorphic and mesomorphic components and a lower value for the ectomorphic component than the lower weight divisions. The group of nonathletes consisted of eight endomorphs, four mesomorphs, six ectomorphs, and five central types. Among the boxing athletes, there were 16 mesomorphic, four ectomorphic, and two central types and one endomorphic type. Subdividing the athletes into 13 somatotypes resulted in five balanced mesomorphs, five endomorphic mesomorphs, five mesomorph-ectomorphs, three mesomorph-endomorphs, two mesomorphic ectomorphs, two central types, and one ectomorphic mesomorph type. [Conclusion] The data from this study provides in part physical characteristics of elite boxing athletes that can be used to establish a reference for systemic study of sports physiotherapy.

Metabolic Profile of Brazilian Elite Boxing Athletes

Elite athletes present a peculiar profile that demands specific performance assessment, including training, dietary recommendations and metabolic stress repercussion.This study aimed to assess the metabolic impairment regarding nutritional intake, eletrolytes, gluconeogenesis (urea cycle) and muscle damage responses of Brazilian elite boxing athletes.For RMR evaluation, a portable analyzer was used in 11 athletes (7 males/4 females; 25,5±3yrs); nutritional pattern was analyzed using daily 24h records, with specific software for qualitative datas. They were submitted to blood tests analysis for acute and chronic biochemical markers of stress.RMR was 1341,2±423,2, higher in males (1496,7±109,2; 1069,2±646,4). Caloric intake was 2038,6±575,2, higher in females (2323,2±786,8; 1874,78±394,6). Qualitative analysis showed lower carbohydrate intake (91% of the athletes). 36% showed high protein intake. Eletrolytes intake, such as sodium and pottasium were abnormal in 100% of the athletes. CK values were abnormal in 90% of the athletes; Urea was elevated in 25% of the athletes. Sodium and potassium were above the DRI, and the serum levels were in normal range (138±18mg/dL; 4± 10.8mg/dL).The present study evidences abnormalities that should be focused on the multidisciplinary matter, avoiding deleterious atitudes such as dehydration and malnutrition, wich could lead to decrease in performance.

Effects of a 3-week Training at the Taebaek Training Center on levels of Hct and Hb, Running Economy, and 3-km Running Record in Elite Boxing players

Effects of a 3-week Training at the Taebaek Training Center on levels of Hct and Hb, Running Economy, and 3-km Running Record in Elite Boxing players