boxing-match

A boxer raises his gloves in victory after a boxing-match.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A competitive contest: "boxing-match" refers to a scheduled contest between two boxers, fought according to established rules (such as those of professional or amateur boxing), typically taking place in a ring and consisting of a set number of rounds.

Usage Examples

• (A competitive contest between two boxers.)
• (A scheduled fight in the sport of boxing.)
• (A contest where boxers fight for victory.)

Advanced Usage

• "to win a boxing-match": to be declared the victor in a contest of boxing.

  • The underdog unexpectedly won the boxing-match by unanimous decision. (The less favoured boxer was judged the winner by all three judges.)

• "to stage a boxing-match": to organize or host a boxing contest.

  • The promoter staged a boxing-match between two undefeated fighters. (The organizer arranged the contest.)

Variants and Related Words

• Boxing (n): the sport or practice of fighting with the fists, especially with padded gloves, according to rules.

  • He has been training in boxing since he was a teenager. (The sport itself, not a specific contest.)

• Match (n): a contest or game in which people or teams compete.

  • The tennis match was postponed due to rain. (A general term for a competition, not specific to boxing.)

Synonyms

• Fight: a physical confrontation, often used informally for a boxing contest.
  • The fight was brutal but fair. (A synonym for boxing-match, though less formal.)
• Bout: a short period of intense activity, specifically a boxing match.
  • The bout ended in the third round. (A more technical term for a boxing contest.)
• Contest: a competition for a prize or advantage.
  • The contest was decided by a split decision. (A general term for a competitive event.)

Related Idioms

• "throw in the towel": to surrender or admit defeat, originally from boxing where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the match.
  • After losing three rounds, his coach threw in the towel, ending the boxing-match. (The coach conceded defeat on behalf of the boxer.)
• "below the belt": unfair or unsporting behaviour, referring to illegal punches in boxing.
  • His comments were below the belt, like a cheap shot in a boxing-match. (Unfair actions, metaphorically from boxing rules.)