History of Boxing in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 2, 2025

Boxing is a combat sport and martial art contested in a ring. Two participants, typically wearing protective gear like gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards, engage in striking each other with punches over a set duration.

1908: Amateur boxing became an Olympic sport

In 1908, amateur boxing was introduced as an Olympic sport, marking a revival of interest in amateur sports within the modern Olympic movement.

1965: Boxing banned in Albania

Boxing was banned in Albania from 1965 until the fall of Communism in 1991.

1980: Boxer deaths due to injuries

From 1980 to 2007, more than 200 amateur boxers, professional boxers and Toughman fighters died due to ring or training injuries.

March 1981: Neurosurgeon sought to use CAT scans to track degeneration of boxers' cognitive functions

In March 1981, neurosurgeon Fred Sonstein sought to use CAT scans in an attempt to track the degeneration of boxers' cognitive functions after seeing the decline of Bennie Briscoe.

1983: Editorials in the Journal of the American Medical Association called for a ban on boxing

In 1983, editorials in the Journal of the American Medical Association called for a ban on boxing, with the editor, George Lundberg, describing boxing as an "obscenity".

1989: International Boxing Hall of Fame opened

In 1989, the International Boxing Hall of Fame opened in Canastota, New York.

1990: First inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 1990, the first inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame included boxing legends such as Jack Johnson, Benny Leonard, and Muhammad Ali.

1991: Boxing legalized in Albania

Boxing was banned in Albania from 1965 until the fall of Communism in 1991.

1994: Johns Hopkins University study shows amateur boxing is a comparatively safe sport

More comprehensive studies of neurological function on larger samples performed by Johns Hopkins University in 1994 show amateur boxing is a comparatively safe sport due to the regulations of amateur boxing and a greater control of the athletes.

1997: Establishment of the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians

In 1997, the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians was established to create medical protocols through research and education to prevent injuries in boxing.

2007: Boxer deaths due to injuries

From 1980 to 2007, more than 200 amateur boxers, professional boxers and Toughman fighters died due to ring or training injuries.

2007: Sweden lifted ban on professional boxing

In 2007, Sweden lifted its ban on professional boxing, but imposed strict restrictions, including limiting fights to four three-minute rounds.

2007: Studies on brain damage in amateur boxers

In 2007, one study of amateur boxers showed that protective headgear did not prevent brain damage, and another found that amateur boxers faced a high risk of brain damage.

2011: Study of boxing deaths

A 2011 study analyzing bouts from 1890 to 2011, found an average death rate of 13 participants per year.

2013: Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas opened

In 2013, the Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, founded by Steve Lott.

2013: AIBA restricted the use of head guards for senior males

In 2013, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) restricted the use of head guards for senior males at the World Championships and Olympics.

December 2014: Norway legalized professional boxing

In December 2014, Norway legalized professional boxing.

2016: Professional boxers admitted in the Olympic Games and other tournaments sanctioned by AIBA

In 2016, professional boxers were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games and other tournaments sanctioned by AIBA to level the playing field. However, professional organizations strongly opposed that decision.

2017: National Safety Council Analyzes Accident Rates Showing Boxing is a Comparatively Safe Sport

Accident rates analyzed by National Safety Council in 2017 show amateur boxing is a comparatively safe sport due to the regulations of amateur boxing and a greater control of the athletes.

2022: Australian study finds safety improvements unsuccessful at preventing deaths

An Australian study in 2022 found that safety improvements implemented in 2011 were unsuccessful in preventing participant deaths.

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