Health Benefits of Boxing: Beyond The Physical

Introduction

Firstly, I believe that every participant in the sport plays because of the love they have for it. Boxers are a different breed from other athletes. Boxing holds significant meaning for many aspiring boxers as it instills the importance of respect and discipline. There are many health benefits of boxing. It serves as a lifeline for many struggling youths, eradicating violence across the globe and providing young boxers the chance to showcase their abilities. Many of the world's wealthiest boxers have come from a life of violence and poverty; inspiring stories emerge from top names such as the current world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, Floyd Mayweather, and Dillian Whyte.

Inspiring Stories of Boxing

Despite all these boxers having touching life stories, I personally feel a connection with the great Mike Tyson. The former world heavyweight champion faced a tough upbringing, as his father walked out on the family, leaving them in a financial crisis. Mike became an early target of bullying, which led him to a life of violence, as he joined a local gang called the 'Jolly Stompers' based in Brownsville, Brooklyn—a neighborhood known for its high crime rates. By the age of 13, he had been arrested 30 times and even held a man at gunpoint during a robbery.

Due to his horrendous behavior, he was sent to Tyron School for Boys, where he met a school counselor who was an ex-amateur boxer. This counselor managed to save his life by encouraging better efforts in class and introducing him to the beloved sport of boxing. Mike Tyson’s compelling story showcases how boxing saved his life. It is evident that without boxing, Mike would have fallen into the trap and been consumed by a life of crime. I firmly believe that boxing shouldn't be banned, as the sport gives athletes the chance to express their abilities.

Mental Benefits of Boxing

Furthermore, boxing has been proven by many experts to help reduce mental health problems. Training with a partner or in a team that shares the same desire will undoubtedly increase your self-confidence and motivation. If you are feeling stressed out, boxing serves as a great stress reliever and is highly recommended by many professionals. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people is affected by mental health disorders, totaling roughly 450 million people worldwide. Boxing is considered highly beneficial for mental health, as it allows individuals to release stress and emotions.

Conclusion

If you are currently feeling depressed and stressed, boxing provides an effective way to learn about yourself, constantly providing a better understanding of who you are. Bridget March's article on Hapersbazaar.com states: 'Boxing requires you to fully concentrate on the task at hand. You need to be able to switch off from the outside world and be 100% focused. Being able to divert daily stress can help you truly take time out, providing a fresh perspective to better deal with problems.' Everything stated by Bridget March is agreeable, and I completely understand that boxing is very beneficial when battling life's toughest lows. Therefore, boxing can reduce mental health problems, contributing to a better quality of life.

Works Cited

1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental disorders affect one in four people. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/
2. March, B. (n.d.). The Mental Health Benefits of Boxing. Retrieved from https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/fitness-wellbeing/a28917865/the-mental-health-benefits-of-boxing/