Pygmachia
Boxing seems more of a great spectator sport than actually getting in the ring and exchanging punches with another person. Nevertheless, boxing is one of the most watched sports because of the excitement and boldness it brings. I was also fascinated when I learned that Boxing actually originated back in Greece. It was regarded then as Pygmachia by the ancient Greeks.
Pygmachia can be traced way back in 688 BC. The sport that we know today as boxing is still the same as it was, except for some modifications in modern equipment, sporting place, and rules. Before Pygmachia, boxing was actually brutal in case you did not know. Imagine two people punching each other as if there were no tomorrow. Some boxers even nursed spiked gloves that can literally kill a person.
Pygmachia is the lighter version of the nonprotected boxing mentioned above. At first, the boxers used leather straps to protect their hands. Soon, the leather straps improved, adding padding inside to cushion the knuckles and hands. Later on, these leather straps gave birth to oxys, which consisted of thick leather bands that gave the hands increased support.
Pygmachia also had distinct rules as compared to modern day boxing. The ancient form of boxing did not have any time restrictions. A boxer wins the match if his opponent either admits defeat or falls into the floor. Another interesting difference in Pygmachia was that the boxers can actually give each other time to rest if they both agree on it. Nevertheless, Pygmachia also has similarities with moder boxing such as the prohibition of punching certain areas in the body such as the genitals, and the use of protective gloves.
Despite the significant improvements in boxing, it is still best enjoyed as a spectator sport for most people, including me. Without Pygmachia, modern boxing could have been a lethal sport today. Thanks to Pygmachia, Boxing is here to stay.