Boxing trunks have always been important in boxing. In the ring, boxers wear little else. They are required to have on boxing trunks and boxing shoes. There are multiple types of boxing trunks. They can be longer or shorter, loose or fitted. It is based mostly on the preference of each boxer. They dont have to be worn when practicing. In the ring, boxing trunks can help or hinder a boxers success. They can also become a defining part of a boxers image.
Before 1925, boxing trunks were held in place by a leather belt. Jacob Golomb, the man who founded sporting goods brand Everlast, was the brilliant mind behind the exchange of elastic waistbands for leather belts. Not only did he create a more comfortable boxing trunk, he also set a new mens undergarment in motion. Boxer shorts were born from boxing trunks with elastic waistbands.
There are a few things to keep in mind about the fit of your boxing trunks. In a fight, trunks that are too loose, too tight or too long can create a distraction and limit your ability to move quickly. Longer, looser trunks are fine as long as the crotch does not fall any lower than the middle of your thigh. If it does, it will affect how long of a stride you have as well as how you stand. If your trunks are too tight, they will be uncomfortable during the fight. If they are too loose, you will have to adjust them constantly and not be able to focus on the fight.
Boxing trunks can also give you an advantage in the ring. Many boxers wear their trunks high to decrease the amount of torso that can be hit by their opponents. Hitting below the belt, or waistband, is illegal in boxing. Therefore, a waistband placed higher limits the available space for an opponent to land a punch. You have to be careful with this, however. If you pull your trunks up too high, they can cause discomfort by pressing your protective cup into your groin. You can also get a warning from the referee if your trunks are sitting too high. If the referee has to tell you repeatedly to pull your waistband down and you dont follow it, he may conveniently fail to notice when your opponent strikes you below the belt.
Along with shoes, trunks are the standard uniform of a boxer. The style has been modified over the years to become more comfortable and versatile. The fit can determine whether you win or lose a fight. Trunks that dont fit properly create a distraction and give your opponent an advantage. Wearing your trunks higher on your torso can give you an advantage as long as they arent too high. With all of these things involved, boxing trunks play an important role in the sport of boxing.