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Amateur Boxing: Physical and Physiological Attributes

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Abstract

Boxing is one of the oldest combat sports. The aim of the current review is to critically analyze the amateur boxer’s physical and physiological characteristics and to provide practical recommendations for training as well as new areas of scientific research. High-level male and female boxers show a propensity for low body fat levels. Although studies on boxer somatotypes are limited, the available information shows that elite-level male boxers are characterized by a higher proportion of mesomorphy with a well-developed muscle mass and a low body fat level. To help support the overall metabolic demands of a boxing match and to accelerate the recovery process between rounds, athletes of both sexes require a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. International boxers show a high peak and mean anaerobic power output. Muscle strength in both the upper and lower limbs is paramount for a fighter’s victory and is one of the keys to success in boxing. As boxing punches are brief actions and very dynamic, high-level boxing performance requires well-developed muscle power in both the upper and lower limbs. Albeit limited, the available studies reveal that isometric strength is linked to high-level boxing performance. Future investigations into the physical and physiological attributes of boxers are required to enrich the current data set and to help create a suitable training program.

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Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tunisian Research Laboratory “Sports Performance Optimization”, National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports (CNMSS), Tunis, Tunisia

    Helmi Chaabène

  2. CETAPS EA 3832, University of Rouen, Mont Saint Aignan, France

    Montassar Tabben

  3. Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Emerson Franchini

  4. Higher Institute of Sports and Physical Education, Manouba University, Tunis, Tunisia

    Bessem Mkaouer & Samiha Amara

  5. Research Unit “Sport Performance and Health” Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia

    Yassine Negra, Mehrez Hammami, Raja Bouguezzi Chaabène & Younés Hachana

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  1. Helmi Chaabène
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Chaabène, H., Tabben, M., Mkaouer, B. et al. Amateur Boxing: Physical and Physiological Attributes. Sports Med 45, 337–352 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0274-7

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