History of Boxing in Timeline
Boxing, a combat sport and martial art, involves two individuals wearing protective gear, including gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards, who exchange punches within a designated boxing ring for a predetermined duration.
1908: Amateur Boxing Becomes an Olympic Sport
In 1908, amateur boxing was included as an Olympic sport, marking a significant moment in boxing history.
1965: Albania Bans Boxing
In 1965, Albania implemented a ban on boxing, reflecting the country's policy at the time. This ban remained in effect until the fall of Communism in 1991.
1980: Boxing Fatalities Raise Concerns
From 1980 to 2007, over 200 boxers, including amateurs, professionals, and Toughman fighters, tragically died due to injuries sustained in the ring or during training.
March 1981: Neurosurgeon Uses CAT Scans to Study Boxers' Cognitive Degeneration
In March 1981, neurosurgeon Fred Sonstein began using CAT scans to study the impact of boxing on cognitive function after witnessing the decline of boxer Bennie Briscoe.
1983: Calls for Banning Boxing Gain Momentum
In 1983, influential medical journals like the Journal of the American Medical Association called for a ban on boxing, citing its inherent dangers and ethical concerns. The editor, George Lundberg, labelled boxing an "obscenity" and argued that it should not be tolerated in civilized societies.
1989: International Boxing Hall of Fame Opens
The International Boxing Hall of Fame was inaugurated in Canastota, New York in 1989, creating a prestigious institution to honour the sport's greatest figures.
1990: First Inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame welcomed its first inductees in 1990, including iconic figures like Jack Johnson, Benny Leonard, Jack Dempsey, Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Robinson, Archie Moore, and Muhammad Ali.
1991: Albania Lifts Boxing Ban
With the fall of Communism in 1991, Albania lifted its ban on boxing, allowing the sport to return to the country after a long period of prohibition.
1994: Johns Hopkins University Study Finds Amateur Boxing Relatively Safe
A 1994 study by Johns Hopkins University on larger samples concluded that amateur boxing, with its regulations and athlete control, was comparatively safer than other sports, despite not focusing on CTE's long-term effects.
1997: American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians Established
The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians was formed in 1997 to develop medical protocols through research and education, aiming to prevent injuries in boxing.
2007: High Fatality Rate in Boxing
By 2007, the number of boxing-related fatalities, including amateur, professional, and Toughman fighters, had surpassed 200 since 1980, raising significant concerns about the sport's safety.
2007: Studies Highlight Brain Damage Risks in Amateur Boxing
In 2007, research revealed that protective headgear in amateur boxing did not effectively prevent brain damage. Another study highlighted the high risk of brain damage faced by amateur boxers. The Gothenburg study, focusing on temporary elevations of neurofilament light in cerebral spinal fluid, suggested evidence of damage even though the levels normalized quickly.
2007: Sweden Lifts Boxing Ban with Restrictions
Sweden lifted its ban on professional boxing in 2007 but imposed strict restrictions, including limiting fights to four three-minute rounds, demonstrating a cautious approach towards the sport.
2013: AIBA Restricts Head Guards for Senior Male Boxers
In a controversial move in 2013, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) restricted the use of head guards for senior male boxers. Research indicates that head guards are effective in protecting against lacerations and skull fractures. Therefore, AIBA's decision has raised concerns about increased injury risks.
2013: Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas Opens
The Boxing Hall of Fame Las Vegas was established in 2013, founded by Steve Lott, former assistant manager for Mike Tyson. The new hall of fame offered a separate platform to recognize boxing legends in Las Vegas, Nevada.
December 2014: Norway Legalizes Professional Boxing
Professional boxing became legal in Norway in December 2014, marking a significant change in the country's stance on the sport.
2016: Professional Boxers Allowed in the Olympics
In a controversial decision in 2016, professional boxers were granted permission to compete in the Olympic Games and other AIBA-sanctioned tournaments, aiming to create a level playing field. This move faced strong opposition from professional boxing organizations.
2017: National Safety Council Analysis Supports Amateur Boxing's Safety
In 2017, the National Safety Council conducted an analysis of accident rates, finding amateur boxing to be relatively safe due to its regulations and athlete control. However, the analysis did not specifically examine CTE or its long-term effects.