| Despite worldwide popularity of amateur boxing, research focussed
on the physiological demands of the sport is limited. The physiological
profile of Senior and Junior England international amateur boxers
is presented. A gradual (8 to 21-days) and rapid (0 to 7-days) phase
of body weight reduction was evident with 2.2 ± 0.3 % of the
7.0 ± 0. 8 % weight loss occurring over the final 24-hours.
An increase in body weight >4% was observed following a recovery
period. High urine osmolality values (> 1000 mOsm·kg-1)
were recorded during training and competition. High post-competition
blood lactate values (>13.5 mmol·l-1) highlighted the need
for a well-developed anaerobic capacity and the importance of not
entering the ring in a glycogen depleted state. The aerobic challenge
of competition was demonstrated by maximum heart rate values being
recorded during 'Open' sparring. Mean body fat values of 9-10% were
similar to those reported for other weight classified athletes. Normal
resting values were reported for hematocrit (Senior 48 ± 2
% and Junior 45 ± 2 %), haemoglobin (Senior 14.7 ± 1.0
g·dl-1 and Junior 14.5 ± 0.8 g·dl-1), bilirubin
(Senior 15.3 ± 6.2 µmol·l-1-1) and ferritin (Senior
63.3 ± 45.7 ng·ml-1). No symptoms associated with asthma
or exercise-induced asthma was evident. A well- developed aerobic
capacity was reflected in the Senior VO2max value of 63.8
± 4.8 ml·kg-1·min-1. Senior lead hand
straight punching force (head 1722 ± 700 N and body 1682 ±
636 N) was lower than the straight rear hand (head 2643 ± 1273
N and body 2646 ± 1083 N), lead hook (head 2412 ± 813
N and body 2414 ± 718 N) and rear hook (head 2588 ±
1040 N and body 2555 ± 926 N). It was concluded that amateur
boxing performance is dependent on the interplay between anaerobic
and aerobic energy systems. Current weight making methods may lead
to impaired substrate availability, leading to reduced competitive
performance and an increased risk to a boxers health.
KEY
WORDS: Urine osmolality, blood lactate, VO2max, punching
force.
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