Boxing

Summary

The Boxing events at the 2012 Olympic Games took place between July 28 – August 12 at the ExCel London. In total, 286 athletes participated – including 36 women, as women’s boxing was contested as a full Olympic medal event for the first time.

The Olympic Boxing competition featured 10 men’s weight categories, from Light Fly Weight (46-49kg) to Super Heavy Weight (over 91kg). Women’s Boxing featured medals in three weights in its debut: Fly Weight (48-51kg), Light Weight (57-60kg) and Middle Weight (69-75kg).

Boxers compete against opponents in the same weight class in a raised ring that is 6.1m square. In the Olympic Games, men’s bouts took place over three three-minute rounds, with women’s bouts held over four rounds of two minutes each. Boxers attempt to land blows above the waist on the front part of their opponent’s head or body using the front, knuckle part of their gloves, in order to score points.

Five judges count both the blows and the fouls committed. Fouls include hitting below the belt, tripping or kicking, using the ropes to help attack or passively defending. If, as a result of a blow, a boxer falls, is outside or partly outside the ropes, is hanging on the ropes or is semi-conscious and unable to defend himself, the referee separates the boxers and begins a countdown. If the boxer is unable to continue after ten seconds, his opponent wins. Otherwise, the bout resumes after eight seconds (a standing eight count). Three standing eight counts in a round or four in the bout against one of the boxers automatically ends the bout. If the bout lasts four rounds, the judges’ scores determine the winner. The winner of each bout advances to the next round.

At London 2012, all Boxing events ran in a knockout format. The winners from the two semifinals in each weight category fought for the gold medal, while the losers of the two semifinals were awarded a bronze.