The majority of boxers use running to improve cardiovascular endurance. In boxing, they refer to it as "roadwork." Former heavyweight champion "Smokin'" Joe Frazier says roadwork is the most crucial training boxers do, the foundation that helps them get through 12 rounds of action.

The purpose of bag gloves is to protect the hands during hard workouts on a heavy bag. A variety of bag gloves are available. Each protect the hand in a different way. They range from simple covers that protect against scuffs to specially engineered gloves that support the structure of the hand and wrist.

With apologies to Butterbean's physique, it's rare to see a boxer who doesn't possess a fit body. The abundance of boxers who are in shape is no coincidence.

Working as a cutman to treat the bleeding and swelling to a boxer's face during a fight requires years of determination, training, and self discipline. The crude, but necessary, first aid a cutman applies in the 60 seconds between each round can make the difference between a win and a loss for a fighter.

If you've ever watched a professional fight, you've probably noticed a scantily-clad model or two walking around the ring or cage between rounds. You've also likely noticed the delighted hoots and hollers of those in attendance. These models are known as ring girls.

Amateur boxing is divided into four weight classes -- featherweight, lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight. With the exception of heavyweight which has no limit, each class has a weight limit range.

Boxing gloves encounter a lot of action during their lifetime; getting covered quite literally with blood, sweat and occasional tears. If you don't keep your gloves clean, they'll develop a strong unpleasant odor. Even worse, your gloves can house bacteria that can lead to infections endangering you and your opponents.

With a well-designed training regimen, boxers can develop anaerobic and aerobic endurance, power, foot-and-hand speed and hand-eye coordination. Workouts typically split between weight training for anaerobic strength and cardio sessions incorporating boxing for aerobic endurance.

Preparing to get in the ring for a boxing match is a serious endeavor. You are going up against an opponent who is trying to hurt you, and you are trying to do the same to him. To compete in this sport, you need to be in tip-top condition.

The best training for boxing -- or any other martial art -- is live instruction from a qualified trainer. However, not everybody has access to a boxing gym. If you're on your own, you can still get started with your boxing skills by practicing in a home workout space you set up on your own.

Boxing accounts for 31 percent of hand and wrist injuries. A wrist sprain is a condition that occurs when you injure the connective tissues that connect your hand to your forearm. Sprains are graded based on the severity of the injury, ranging from a mild stretching of your connective tissue to a complete tear.

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest heavyweight champions in the history of boxing. He was a boxing phenom, winning the 1960 Olympic gold medal and then storming through the heavyweight division as a pro and defeating champion Sonny Liston.