Boxer

Boxer is a term with several common uses in English. In everyday usage it most often refers to either a dog breed or to a person who competes in boxing. The word has also been used for historical events such as the Boxer Rebellion in China and appears in various brand names and fictional works.

Boxer, the dog breed, originated in Germany in the 19th century from the Bullenbeißer and the Bulldog. Boxers are medium to large, muscular dogs with a short fawn or brindle coat and a black mask. They are intelligent, energetic, and protective, making them effective watchdogs and loyal family companions. They require regular exercise and training to prevent boredom and behavioral problems. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, certain heart conditions such as aortic stenosis, and cancer. Lifespan is typically about 10 to 14 years.

A boxer is a practitioner of boxing, a combat sport in which two opponents throw punches within a ring under defined rules. Boxers train in conditioning, technique, defense, and strategy, and compete at amateur and professional levels. Weight classes and rounds structure matches, while scoring is determined by judges. Safety gear such as gloves, mouthguards, and proper footwear is standard in competition.

The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese uprising against foreign influence that lasted from 1899 to 1901. Led by the Boxers, officially the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, the movement prompted intervention by an international coalition and influenced subsequent foreign relations and internal reforms in China.

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