BOXING fans often wonder why fighters are competing in a squared boxing ring.
The ring is also known as the squared circle. It has seen many changes over the years, since its inception.
The squared circle is commonly referred to as the modern squared boxing rings
.
Hundreds of years ago, fighters used to fight each other in roughly drawn circles.
To watch the bare-knuckle fight, spectators used to gather around the circle and form a ring around boxers.
The referee was absent and there were no gloves at the time. Both men engaged in street-fighting tactics.
This was the standard until Jack Broughton, an English bare-knuckle fighter, introduced modern rules.
READ MORE IN BOXING
Fans gathered outside to see the boxers from close up, and circular rings were introduced.
Broughton's Rules stipulated that no boxer could hit below the belt or when the opponent was on the ground. A boxer would be allowed to recover for 30 seconds if he had hit the deck.
These were started after George Stevenson, Broughton's opponent, died from severe injuries just days after they had fought.
It would be nearly 100 years later, in 1838, that the Pugilistic Society updated the rules.
SUN BINGO GET PS50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYBroughton's Rules were rewritten by the London Prize Ring Rules. This saw the introduction of the first squared ring, made up of eight ropes and stakes.
This was done to keep the public away from the boxers and keep them at bay.
It was easier to make a squared design than a circular one, as it provides more flexibility and support.
Even though it is no longer a traditional ring design, it was so well-known that it was retained even after the original circle design was removed.
John Graham Chambers proposed the 'Marquess of Queensberry Rules,' which was eventually updated and improved on London Rules.
Boxers were required to wear padded gloves and three-minute rounds. There was also a break of one minute between rounds. Fighters had to stand within ten seconds after being knocked out or forfeit their match.
