Why is boxing called boxing? I need to know!

[raf727]

Great thread, very interesting.

[wmute]

ain't that always the way lol

don't worry, I will be back :-)

[groovyMysterios]

I have a theory

I know this thread is ancient. But I was trying to find the answer like you all, this was pretty much the top result. So the theory goes like this: I recently started doing snuff. In researching the practice, I read that the little snorting "shelf" you make when you clench your fist is called the "snuffbox" of the hand. So when one is "putting up their dukes" they're also raising their "snuffboxes". Eh? What do you guys think?

[The Old LefHook]

One of the better boxing questions.

[BKM-]

Like 10 different theories in this thread, pretty funny. Seems the most probable answer is that "to box" has been a term for fist-fighting for centuries. And that they opted for "Boxing" because it's an easier name than 'pugilism'.