This article may contain affiliate links. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
Boxing is an ancient sport that isn’t just contested in the ring but also in gyms, schools, and on the street. This popular form of fighting has a long history, including many different techniques and styles. However, modern boxing has one thing in common with its ancient predecessor: headgear. This article will talk about what headgear boxers wear during bouts and why they use it.
What is headgear?
A headguard or headgear is equipment used by boxers during fights. It helps protect the boxer’s face and ears and reduce the risk of injury. It is small enough to fit inside the boxing gloves and increases the boxer’s punching power.
In some boxing competitions, a protective mask or face shield may be required for safety reasons.
How is headgear used in boxing?
Headgear is a large part of the sport. It serves as protection for the face and ears of boxers and padding for their gloves. The shape of headgear also helps to cushion punches during fights. The typical headgear shape looks like a cross between a helmet and an egg, with a curved rim to protect the ears. A foam cushion or lining inside the headgear helps to absorb blows and reduce shock to the face. The type used in competitions or matches varies depending on organization requirements.
Who invented headgear?
Like many other sports equipment, headgear was first used in ancient times. The Greeks and Romans used to have a sport called pankration, which is similar to boxing. In fact, some historians believe that modern boxing developed from pankration. The Greek sport included padded leather helmets made from straps of leather or cloth. However, the boxers only wore the helmets to protect their heads from other attacks like kicks and gouges. They didn’t wear them during actual fighting.
When did boxers start using headgear?
The use of padded leather helmets in Greek pankration eventually spread to Rome. Eventually, the sport became a popular activity for children and young men. In fact, the Roman emperor Nero was known to enjoy watching boxing matches at his palace. However, it was Emperor Theodosius who banned pankration in 393 AD. He thought the sport encouraged violent behavior and he didn’t like that it featured mostly unarmed fighters.
