Is boxing the most physically demanding sport in the world??

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/sportSkills?GT1=3256# I agree.. one of the toughest , if not the toughtest sport in the world Certainly in terms of mental strength, it is certainly up there.

Rowing is tough.

The Ironman appears to be just as demanding if not more than boxing. Though in boxing the athletes worry more about life threatening injuries than most other sports.

I can't think of a sport that matches the physical demands of boxing, going 12 rounds with only 1minutes rest in between. It's not like a team sport where you can relax and rely on a team member, or even another solo sport where you can take a (physical and mental) breather as you know by doing so you could get seriously hurt.. MMA maybe close but as there is take downs much less rounds it stops the chances of a 12 round warrior type fight. Peak for peak I can't think of another athlete that would be as fit and in such a physical shape as the likes of pacquiao and mayweather.. Your thoughts? There are a few sports more demanding on the endurance side (cycling, triathlon), but all in all a 12-round boxing fight is among the most health-endangering sports event out there (barring accidents). Diving can be very risky, too (apnoe-diving).

Cycling in my opinion. Than Pacquiao might be the most physical athlete of them all because he's boxing AND cycling...... wait for it...... PEDs. :biggthump

Anyone that says MMA is more demanding physically is just plain stupid!! Boxers train for 12 round x 3 mins ... MMA fighters train for 3-5 round x 5 mins .... BIG difference. And most MMA guys are so gassed at the end. Not boxers Boxing matches are longer but the intensity of MMA is much greater. I used to go from running 10k's at < 6min/mile pace to wrestling and still gas. MMA/wrestling is alot more anaerobic than boxing since in boxing you can clench/dance/etc.

Logic fail Da Prince: If, as you say, MMA fighters are gassed so quickly, doesn't this say something about the high demands that MMA puts on your systems? What a dumbass. That's like saying chess is a more physically demanding sport than boxing because: a) It can last longer b) They aren't gassed by the end

This should even be a question. First of all , just the fact that u HAVE TO MAKE WEIGHT TO EVEN COMPETE surpasses any other requirements of any other sports in the world. Boxing is the most exciting , sport in the world. Boxing is the best. U know at one point or another u will take punishment. And not only because of exhaustion. U are trading punches. there seriously shouldn't be any questions asked. Any contact sport with weight divisions and contracted weight is. Boxing >>>>>> everything

That would be cool if they could punch each other in the peleton while riding to see who the toughest is. They do: http://sporten.tv2.dk/video/index.php/nodeId-11792054.html

Id prob say power wanking after a few grams of ching... lmao.. Lmao u joker! Thanks for input guys some good points especially the espn list :)

MMA and/or wrestling (BJJ etc) are EXTREMELY demanding. Try being pinned under an exceptionally strong guy in Judo - try getting out of that and you'll realise that in terms of the endurance and strength required, these sports have the potential to outdo boxing. THAT said, boxing is unique in that its demands on the body go beyond strength/endurance. You've got your brain (literally) on the line. As far as functioning organs go, it is the most important and thus, boxing's demands are unique. And finally, for those who compare (and laud) boxing as obviously tougher than running/team sports such as football, rugby, American Football are missing an obvious trick. The potential for major limb injury as a consequence of running, slipping, twisting etc (think knee ligaments, ankles etc) is far higher than in boxing. Whilst there is that risk in boxing, it is less so than in rugby etc where you could land awkwardly whilst running and then be tackled by a 20 stone behemoth, thus forcing you into injury for a long time. But this is taking nothing away from boxing. It is unique in character and places a whole different category of demands on the body. Not to mention the stamina required just to keep your hands up lol.

Although it may not look it, tennis is VERY physically demanding. Maybe even moreso than boxing.

stuff like the iron man triathlons are more demanding

Iron Man Triathlon?

No, cricket is. lol, criket is fcukin wank and probably 1 of the least demanding sports. standing about in a field waiting for a ball to catch isnt demanding. its boring as fcuk.

They are pretty tough. The continue riding after horrible crashes that leaves them with broken collarbones and asphaltburns. Still they continue and are ready the next day. Not many athletes are tougher than bike riders. well said most people who don't agree with what you said would have never watch a proper race in their lives i always watch races and its hard to believe these riders have the strength to climb up these steep mountains after racing for hours

maybe the triathlon? dont they swim a couple of miles, then ride a bike for 110 miles then complete a 26 mile marathon all back to back?

that list is bullshit how is basketball so high up the list with ice hocky, this must be from america gymnastics shits all over basketball, and cycling come on look at how low it is water polo is also fairly low and is no chance behind baseball

The Iron Sheik would disagree with all of you guys. ( " Rrrrrestling toughest sport in the vorld"!! lol) This would have been a good thread to have a poll for. I agree that boxing os the tpughest when you factor both the physical and mental stamina required to be successful and the risks involved while enduring blunt force trauma to the face and body, I don't see how anybody could say differently. Many sports taxes the body physically perhaps even for a longer time I.e. tennis, cycling, long distance running swimming etc but in boxing you are being hit as well. Think about it concussions are a huge issue in sports but in boxing a fighter can be concussed multiple times per fight. Imagine fighting with a broken nose, ribs, hands and being expected to continue on. I don't know about you guys but getting slugged in the nose or stomach, liver just once is no picnic. It is no wonder we see how many fighters are irreparably damaged after their careers' are over. Even in football, field and ice hockey where collisions are expected you are given equipment designed to lessen the blows. I didn't even mention the training involved before an actual fight. I was merely just talking about just the actual fights themselves. No question Boxing toughest sport!!!!! :boxing:

Yes, yes and yes. No other sport where you bleed that much, but keep on coming. :boxing: