Nyrkkeily

Nyrkkeily, known in English as boxing, is a combat sport in which two opponents compete in a square ring, using punches to score points or win by knockout. The sport exists in professional and amateur forms, each with its own rules, equipment requirements, and competition formats.

Professional bouts are typically structured in rounds of three minutes, with one-minute breaks, and can last up to 12 rounds for championship fights. Amateur boxing features shorter bouts and scoring that emphasizes clean punches, defense, and ring craft. Competitions are organized at national, continental, and international levels, including the Olympic Games for amateurs.

Participants wear protective equipment such as gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards; headgear is commonly used in many amateur events but not in all professional bouts. Officials in the ring score rounds or determine the winner based on rules and fouls. Medical checks and weight classifications help manage safety.

History and governance: Modern boxing developed from earlier prizefighting in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Queensberry rules helping standardize gloves, period rounds, and fair competition. International boxing is governed by national federations and international bodies; professional boxing features several major sanctioning organizations, while amateur boxing offers world championships and the Olympics.