'Amateur' boxing made its entrance in the UK in the latter half of the 19th century. Seen as a more technical, and safer form of boxing, it became popular in schools, in universities, and in the armed forces. It was an Olympic sport by 1904.

Competitors wear gloves and headguards, and box a restricted number of rounds, with men normally boxing three rounds, each of a duration of three minutes and women boxing four rounds, each of two minutes.

A competitor scores by landing a punch on the middle of his/her opponent’s head, or on the torso (above the belt). The judges do the scoring, while the referee concentrates on ensuring that only legal blows are deployed, and prevent the use of holding. Referees will also stop the bout in the event of injury, or a serious imbalance between the boxers.

Male boxers box at a range of weights: 48kg; 51kg; 54kg; 57kg; 60kg; 64kg; 69kg; 75kg; 81kg; 91kg; 91+kg. Females at: 46kg; 48kg; 51kg; 54kg; 57kg; 60kg; 64kg; 69kg; 75kg; 81kg; 81+kg.

Since 1941, the International Amateur Boxing Association has been responsible for the global game. Within the UK, there are three home nations: ABAE (England); WABA (Wales); ABS (Scotland). BABA is responsible for the ultimate preparation of the elite athletes for Olympic Games.

The 2012 London Olympics saw women boxing for the first time, at three weights: 51kg; 60kg; 75kg. The same weigh categories for women will feature in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.