Do you want to be the best for yourself? Don’t you want to be the best version of yourself that you can be? The sport of boxing can change a person’s life, not just getting physically fit but mentally bettering yourself and being more sociable. Boxing can make your life better, but only if you are willing to discipline yourself to change.

Many people do not box anymore because people are scared to get hurt. I took a survey of a group of high school students that have interest in boxing, I asked a question, “Would you box as a sport?” most people answered “Maybe” this does not necessarily mean yes or no but I am sure they would, just for the money and fame. Since boxing has become less popular, interviewing people about boxing is hard, and most people just watch it for entertainment and do not practice.

I managed to get one interview with a person who boxes, his name is Cyris, and one interview with a person who likes the sport, Mekai. My interview with Cyris was remarkably interesting. Something that he said really stuck out to me: “I would totally box, imagine getting paid to fight people,” which made me curious as to why people like to fight for money. My interview with Mekai was very blunt, but one response he said was interesting, “The best thing about boxing is winning, it is a good feeling when you win,” this made me think what the benefits are of boxing. Both interviews are essential to my article.

Now, people may think boxers box for money, fame, and the feeling of being a champion, but boxing can help a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Boxing can help a person physically because boxing can help your cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease, help you maintain weight by burning calories, increase metabolism and reduce body fat. Some other ways boxing can help you physically are helping you improve coordination and reflexs, because boxers learn to respond quickly to an opponent’s movements, and boxing also helps improve footwork and cardiovascular endurance. Boxing can provide many benefits for a person physically, but it can benefit someone in other ways.

Sometimes people may get mad or stressed may want to hit something, at least I do. Boxing can help you emotionally by relieving stress because physical activity releases endorphins which allows you to release them all when you are boxing. Boxing can also give you a confidence boost when you overcome boxing challenges and the sense of accomplishment boosts your self-esteem and confidence. Boxing requires focus and concentration which can improve mental clarity and awareness. Boxing also requires consistent training and improvement which provides a sense of control and emotional stability. Boxing is not always about winning though; sometimes you lose and when your self-esteem gets injured, and you build emotional resilience which will help you have better coping skills in life. When you are training, your body and mind are focused on what you are doing, which develops awareness of body movements and sensations so it can contribute to a more balanced sense of self.

I like to isolate myself; I find peace when I am alone, but I must remember that I am not the only person on this planet. Boxing can help your social health by having others be there for you. Boxing is not just a sport; boxing can be a way to socialize and make more friends. Boxing gyms often form a community where individuals share a common interest, the sense of belonging to a group can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Boxing often involves training with partners for activities such as sparring or pad work. When you are working closely with training partners you build and encourage teamwork, not just for you but other boxers. Boxing promotes a shared pursuit of fitness, skill improvement, and personal goals, overcoming challenges together, whether in training or during matches, which overall strengthens social bonds. In a boxing community, positive behaviors, discipline, and dedication are often encouraged, interacting with peers who have a focus on self-improvement can be inspiring and uplifting. Boxing events, competitions, and training sessions provide opportunities to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and interaction within the boxing community can lead to new friendships and professional connections. Coaches and experienced boxers often play mentorship roles, providing guidance and support to less experienced members, mentorship fosters a sense of mentor-mentee relationships and contributes to personal growth.

Boxing gyms may organize social events, tournaments, or gatherings, these occasions provide opportunities for socializing, building relationships, and enjoying the company of fellow participants. the shared passion for boxing creates a connection with each other and sparks conversations and interactions about training, techniques, and experiences related to boxing. Boxing communities can be diverse and inclusive. Individuals from various backgrounds, ages, and skill levels are allowed to box which promotes a sense of acceptance and mutual respect. Learning to spar and train with others teaches valuable conflict resolution skills, resolving differences in a controlled and respectful manner is essential for a positive training environment. Training with others can encourage a sense of accountability, knowing that others are expecting you at the gym can provide motivation and commitment to regular training.

When you are fresh out of high school, you have no idea what you want to do with your life, and boxing can give you goals, give you a sense of belonging, and it can help make you the best version of yourself. Boxing is not just about fighting and becoming physically fit. Boxing is about becoming your best self, whether it is physically, mentally, or socially. Boxing can become important to your everyday life and allow you to build confidence in every aspect of your life.