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Boxing is probably one of the oldest few forms of the combat sport and was traditionally practiced with very little safe guarding. For most part, modern boxing is pretty much orderly, with rules and time limitations laid down, and differs from earlier modalities, which pushed the mental and physical limits of gladiators for some hours, sometimes several hundreds of rounds, depending on how good the audiences thought the fighters were. The longest boxing match ever is the indelible stamp of human will and human endurance on the psyche. Not to say that one match marks one highlight in the boxing history book, for many great figures made the history of boxing.
Boxing can trace its origin back to ancient cultures, where it was used both as a sport and for military training. The earliest known examples date from circa 3000 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia, where stone carvings depict fighters engaged in all types of hand-to-hand combat. Later depictions from ancient Egypt also testify to boxing's popularity among various cultures.
The Greeks were the first to codify boxing into a competitive sport and in the year 688 B.C. such combats were introduced within the framework of the ancient Olympic Games. With leather bands that protected the knuckles, then called "thongs," being wrapped around fighters' hands, this was still indeed a barbaric sport characterized by extremely painful injuries and even death. The fights had no rounds, no time limits—the fight went on until one combatant died or until one fighter was unable to continue.
The Romans would later make the activity much deadlier by later introducing weapons within the form of metal-studded gloves called cestus. Gladiatorial boxing matches were often contests fought to the death for the amusement of the masses. After the fall of the Roman Empire, boxing came to decline in popularity in Europe, almost disappearing during the Middle Ages.
Boxing saw a revival in 18th-century England, where bare-knuckle fighting gained widespread popularity. These fights were long and brutal, often lasting for hours. There were no gloves, and fighters used little to no formal technique. The sport was largely unregulated, leading to severe injuries and deaths.
The longest recorded boxing match in history took place on April 6, 1893, in New Orleans. Andy Bowen and Jack Burke fought an astonishing 110 rounds over the course of 7 hours and 19 minutes. At that time, fights continued until a clear winner emerged, and neither man was willing to give up. The match started with both fighters trading blows in a contest that seemed evenly matched. As the hours passed, exhaustion took its toll. By the 75th round, both fighters were barely standing, relying more on willpower than skill. After 110 rounds, the referee declared the fight a no contest as both men were too fatigued to continue.
Another marathon fight took place in 1910, where Abe Hollandersky and Patsy Haley battled for 100 rounds. While not as widely known as the Bowen vs. Burke fight, this match was just as grueling. The two fighters showcased incredible endurance, trading blows for hours. In the end, there was no definitive winner, as the fight was stopped due to time constraints.
One of the longest bare-knuckle fights in history, this 99-round contest lasted over five hours before Jack Jones emerged victorious. Unlike modern boxing, where rounds are timed, early bare-knuckle fights continued until one fighter was knocked out or unable to continue.
This grueling contest took place before Bob Fitzsimmons became a world champion. The match lasted 78 rounds and showcased the sheer toughness of both fighters. Fitzsimmons would go on to become one of the greatest boxers in history.
Although only 17 rounds, this fight lasted over six hours due to the lengthy nature of each round. Unlike modern boxing, these rounds were not three minutes long but continued until a fighter was knocked down. The match ended when Kelly secured a victory.
Muhammad Ali is often considered the greatest boxer of all times. He had fathomless footwork and speed combined with defenses which completely changed the way heavyweight boxing was thought of. His famous fights- "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman and "Thrilla in Manila" against Joe Frazier- are some of the most famous in history. The man was more than a boxer; he was a social activist who refused to go to fight in the Vietnam War and spoke out against racial injustice. He is not only remembered as a boxer; he is indeed considered a global icon.
Sugar Ray Robinson is often referred to as the best pound-for-pound fighter in history, for he was virtually unbeatable in welterweight and middleweight. With punches so precise he could hit targets at 30 yards through perfect movement and an instinct for reacting to an opponent's style, he had it all, an epitome of nightmare to exist for an opponent. That shows his amazing record of 173 wins with 109 knockouts.
Nicknamed "Iron Mike," Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at age 20. His ferocious pounding and incredible aggression made him one of the scariest fighters in history. He could eliminate enemies in just a few minutes when he was at his best.
He held a heavyweight title for nearly twelve years, which is the longest reign in the history of boxing. His famous and much-resounded victory over Max Schmeling in 1938 symbolized America's fight against Nazi ideology.
Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated with an impressive record of 49-0, which goes on to show how great he was in his time. The force that his playing style commanded and his ability to knock-out an opponent made him one of the most fearsome fighters ever.
Born in Brooklyn into very stormy conditions in 1966, Mike raised himself from a troubled childhood to making history by being the youngest heavyweight champion, having been crowned champion at the age of just 20 years. Following the teachings of the legendary trainer Cus D'Amato, he adopted one of the most ferocious fighting styles; he was a head-hunter with incredible strength, speed, and punching prowess mixed in with super defensive ability.
Few have achieved technical brilliance in that sport. As Floyd Mayweather Jr. Born in 1977, he is considered by many one of the best defensive fighters ever. His huge skills to dodge any hit with extreme accuracy, counterattack, and control of pace in a fight make it almost impossible to be touched in the ring.
Manny Pacquiao was born poor to the extreme in the Philippines in 1978, making him rise to stardom one of the most significant underdog tales in sports. He began boxing at a very young age in order to contribute to the family's drug-addicted income, and through pure hard work and determination, he has been able to become the eight-division world champion- the only person on earth to be able to do that.
Oscar De La Hoya was an elite fighter but one of the biggest stars to have ever hit that mainstream world of boxing. Born in Los Angeles to Mexican-American parents in 1973, he rose first to fame earning at the 1992 Olympics a gold medal for the U.S. In good looks, charm, and incredible boxing ability, however, he made it a point of being an instant hit.
Boxing has evolved over centuries, producing some of the toughest and most skilled athletes in sports history. The longest boxing matches showcase the extreme endurance and determination of fighters from earlier eras, while legends like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Mike Tyson have left an indelible mark on the sport. Today, boxing continues to thrive, with its history serving as a reminder of the resilience and spirit that define the sport.
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