A boxer must be strong and savvy, in peak condition, and able to bear the physical and mental punishment doled out from the other boxer. Depending on whether it’s amateur boxing or a professional bout, boxing matches consist of a number of three-minute rounds. Professional fights for major championships can attract thousands of fans and millions more watching on television.

One thing boxing does not require is a big investment in equipment. Amateur boxers wear headgear; professional boxers do not. Gloves are the most important piece of equipment. Training equipment, such as punching bags, are critical to a boxer’s development and refinement of their skills. Sparring, where two boxers train by boxing each other in a practice setting, also helps prepare boxers for a fight.

To group boxers of similar physical stature, boxing is divided into divisions, based on weight. Heavyweight boxing, for boxers weighing 200 pounds or more, tends to attract the most attention, with charismatic figures such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield and George Foreman earning heavyweight championships during their career. By comparison, welterweight fighters must weigh between 147 and 153 pounds, and featherweight boxers must tip the scales between 126 and 134 pounds.