A new boxing record set

Boxing gloves

April 3, 1936: Al Carr sets a boxing record. Boxing, also called the “sweet science” or pugilism, is a brutal sport. Boxing has been around for quite some time. There is evidence that it was popular in North Africa as long ago as 4000 BC. The Marquess of Queensberry codified modern boxing rules in 1867. He specified the size of the ring, the length of the rounds, and the size of gloves worn.

Boxing has two participants with a referee in place inside a 24 foot square ring. Rounds last from 1-3 minutes with a specified rest period in between them. Participants attack each other with their fists, wearing regulation sized gloves. In Olympic boxing, helmets are worn as well.

In order to win, the referee must make a decision or the match is won by points based on fight judges’ tallies. A KO or knockout is when an opponent is knocked down for a count of ten. A TKO or technical knockout is declared when the referee deems one participant too injured to continue.

The longest bout with gloves took place on April 6, 1895 and lasted 110 rounds. The seven hour and nineteen minute bout ended in a draw when both contestants were too exhausted to continue. On this date, the shortest match ever with gloves – Al Carr knocked out Lew Massey with one punch. The entire fight lasted 7 (seven) seconds.

“Boxing is the toughest and loneliest sport in the world.” – Frank Bruno

“Boxing is a lot of white men watching two black men beat each other up.” – Muhammad Ali

“Boxing is show-business with blood.” – David Belasco

“To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other” – Jack Handy

Also on this day, in 1929 the Cunard Line met and announce the building of a new, huge ship which would be christened (eventually) RMS Queen Mary.