What is White Collar Boxing?
White Collar Boxing originated at the world famous Gleason gym in New York City, USA. The very first bout took place in the late 1980s, with the then gym manager Brian Silverglade arranging informal bouts between his clientele, many of whom worked in traditionally viewed 'white collar' professions (such as law, accountancy or medicine). Through the late 20th and into the early 21st century, WCB has grown in popularity with numerous events taking place across the globe. Many of these events share the same ethos, which is to provide novice boxers with an opportunity to engage in an organised, safe and structured competitive event.
With a surge in popularity over the past few years, WCB has become an extremely effective way of raising charity sponsorship. For example as of Nov 2022, one of the largest white collar boxing organisations in the UK, the uwcb, (ultimate white collar boxing) has raised nearly £24000000 in support of Cancer Research UK, boasting over 100 000 participants in its events.
Who is White Collar Boxing for?
One of the most engaging features of WCB events is that they are mostly accessible to all people. Whilst there are often minimum precautions and prerequisites often in place (such as minimum age, health checks etc.) the aim of the events is to provide all participants the opportunity to competitively box, without the high risk of injury that is often associated with the sport.
What does a White Collar Boxing event include?
One of the main differences in a white collar event, as compared to an amateur or professional bout, is the number of rounds fought. Typically a WCB bout is competed across 3 x 2 minute rounds (as opposed to the 10 or 12 rounds of a professional bout).
An additional key difference is the high level of focus on fighter safety. The bouts are held using the highest regard for safety and risk reduction. Many bouts will require using 16oz gloves, often with the boxers also being required to wear head and abdominal guards. The bouts are typically tightly managed and ultimately judged by the referee. Often there are no points per round awarded (as in professional boxing) and a no knockout rule in place. This maintains a focus on movement, technical boxing and light contact, which again serves to reduce the risk of injury to the participants.
A further key focus for many white collar boxing programmes is to ensure that boxers are engaging in fair, equally matched bouts. In the majority of cases white collar programmes are open to new or novice fighters, with participants who have engaged in amateur or professional bouts being prohibited. This allows for a more equal opportunity for all participants to be fairly matched against an opponent of each skill, experience, fitness and size.
What is the format of a typical White Collar Boxing programme?
Many WCB programmes provide their participants an opportunity to engage in a focused training plan ahead of the event. This gives opportunity to develop the necessary boxing capabilities and skills, develop the fitness levels necessary for the event and build strong relationships with the other participants in the programme.
Typically a white collar programme will provide between 6 and 10 weeks training prior to the final event. Across this period, the participants are taken through a graduated and progressive programme of both fitness and technical boxing development to prepare them for the challenge of the final event.
How do I get involved in White Collar Boxing?
For more information on the next Renegade Martial Arts White Collar event please contact us at:
