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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 3/2015

01-03-2015 | Review Article

Amateur Boxing: Physical and Physiological Attributes

Authors: Helmi Chaabène, Montassar Tabben, Bessem Mkaouer, Emerson Franchini, Yassine Negra, Mehrez Hammami, Samiha Amara, Raja Bouguezzi Chaabène, Younés Hachana

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 3/2015

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Abstract

Boxing is one of the oldest combat sports. The aim of the current review is to critically analyze the amateur boxer’s physical and physiological characteristics and to provide practical recommendations for training as well as new areas of scientific research. High-level male and female boxers show a propensity for low body fat levels. Although studies on boxer somatotypes are limited, the available information shows that elite-level male boxers are characterized by a higher proportion of mesomorphy with a well-developed muscle mass and a low body fat level. To help support the overall metabolic demands of a boxing match and to accelerate the recovery process between rounds, athletes of both sexes require a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. International boxers show a high peak and mean anaerobic power output. Muscle strength in both the upper and lower limbs is paramount for a fighter’s victory and is one of the keys to success in boxing. As boxing punches are brief actions and very dynamic, high-level boxing performance requires well-developed muscle power in both the upper and lower limbs. Albeit limited, the available studies reveal that isometric strength is linked to high-level boxing performance. Future investigations into the physical and physiological attributes of boxers are required to enrich the current data set and to help create a suitable training program.
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Metadata
Title
Amateur Boxing: Physical and Physiological Attributes
Authors
Helmi Chaabène
Montassar Tabben
Bessem Mkaouer
Emerson Franchini
Yassine Negra
Mehrez Hammami
Samiha Amara
Raja Bouguezzi Chaabène
Younés Hachana
Publication date
01-03-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0274-7

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