OK, hate is a strong word – but it’s clear that boxing is currently is currently low on people’s list of favorite sports. Some people will tell you that boxing is too violent, has too much corruption, and is too primitive to survive. I say that none of these explain boxing’s current state. Don’t let the recent Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. super fight fool you, the health of boxing still requires dire attention.

To regain the “love of boxing,” the Olympics need to be promoted more heavily by the networks carrying them, in order to cultivate American boxing stars. At the professional level, the networks need to carry more boxing cards in order to compete with the cable networks, including PPV. For one, we know that HBO and Showtime can’t beat the pricing of ABC, CBS or NBC – hence the networks competitive advantage. If “free” television were to hire programmers who know boxing, slowly boost ratings among the die-hard fan niche, which will then lead to larger shows – cable television networks would be forced to re-think their model which often showcases single fighters at the expense of many fighters and exploits die-hard fans with a glut of pay-per-view cards to line their coffers.

If you want to start boxing you will need to find a club or gym that has the necessary equipment (in addition to what you purchase on www.cheapboxing.com) to help you with your conditioning and training. You will need a jump rope, medicine ball, punching bag, and exercise mats. Conditioning will also include learning breathing techniques, abdominal, leg, and arm exercises, and eventually working with a partner.

Items you will need to purchase will include lightweight shoes, boxing trunks, a mouthpiece, and a cup if you are male. Some clubs may have boxing gloves available for you to use. Eventually you will want to purchase your own pair. It should be noted that wrapping your hands before putting on boxing gloves is a necessity. This will help to protect the small bones in your hands from injury. There are several methods of wrapping. It is important to not twist the wrapping and to keep it loose enough to not cut off your circulation. The support given to the wrist is also important. When you are working with a partner some gyms may require you to wear leather helmets to protect the sides of your head and your ears.