Nutrition in Combat Sports

12 Boxing 195
In 1994, the Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee made the
following statement: “[W]e have reviewed past retrospective studies and have now
completed our review of major prospective studies regarding Olympic-style boxing and
the question: does Olympic –style boxing cause chronic brain dysfunction?
Presently these studies indicate that there is no apparent scientific evidence of
chronic brain dysfunction demonstrated in Olympic-style boxing. … Due to AIBA
evolution in its rules, goals and medical controls, Olympic-style boxing is a completely
different sport that professional boxing.” [3]
12.3 Equipment
The ring – the minimum size is 4.90 m 2 and the maximum is 6.10 m 2 . The corner posts
must be well padded. The floor is covered with felt, rubber, or other suitable material,
not less than 1.3 cm thick and not more than 1.9 cm. Canvas covers the entire platform.
Three or four ropes connect the corner posts. Two steps in opposite corners are for the
use of the boxers and seconds, one in the neutral corner for the use of referees or doctors.
In the two neutral corners outside the ring, a small plastic bag is fixed in which the
referee shall drop the cotton pads, or gauze used to wipe the bleeding
Gloves – the boxers wear red or blue gloves according to his/her ring corner. The
weight of gloves is 284 g (10 oz) of which the leather portion weighs not more than
half of the total weight and the padding not less than half of the total weight. The
regular hitting surface must be marked on the gloves with a clearly discernible
color. For sparring in the gym heavier gloves should be used.
Bandages – bandaging not longer than 2.5 m and 5.7 cm wide on each hand must
be used.
Dress – boxers box in light boots, shorts, and vest covering the chest and back.
Gumshields – use is compulsory and must be form-fitted. Ideally they are made
by a dental surgeon.
Cup protector (low blow protector) – the wearing of a cup protector is compulsory
for male boxers.
Headguard – the headguard is an individual and form-fitted item of the boxer’s
equipment The color of the headguard is red or blue.
12.4 Decisions in Amateur Boxing
Win on points . At the end of the contest, the boxer who has been awarded the decision
by a majority of the judges declared the winner.
Win by retirement. If a boxer retires voluntarily his/her opponent shall be declared
the winner.
Win by referee stopping contest ( RSC ). If a boxer in the opinion of the referee is
being outclassed or is unfit to continue the bout shall be stopped and his/her opponent
shall be declared the winner.