For the classic thread, does anyone know when the padded foul protector was added to equipment list of boxing? And also why is it so big? Why can't boxers use cups like ball players or hocky stars? I saw a fight recently where the padded foul protector was above the belly button and pratically reached the guys armpit when he bent to the side to throw a punch. Some history / clarity in the matter would be appreciated.
I can't tell you the history of it, but I can tell you that unprotected shots on the hips and upper thighs are very very painful.
Those very high protectors have become the norm,Lewis and Holyfield both asked for them,they should be standardized,there is supposed to be an imaginary line drawn across the hip bones ,amd any punches above it are legitimate ,any below foul, half of these jokers have protectors up to their armpits, its totally ridiculous,You have referees saying," any punches here ," [and touching the protector half way] ,"I call good",the cups should be sorted out before the fight.
Yeah I've noticed that a few times. At first I thought the foul protectors were for nut shots, but now I think it's for hip and thigh shots more than the obvious nut shots. But still, some are so high it seems to be an advantage sometimes.
Dang that looks bad, and I like Lewis, but come on. Can the opposition do anything about the protector when it covers the belly button, or is it agreed to in negotiations?
I read about the history of the foul protector a while ago. Can't remember exactly where though, but here is what I recall. In the old days boxers would sometimes tuck towels or pieces of cloth into their trunks to give them a little padding in case of a low blow. The actual foul protector was introduced to the sport in 1930. It's introduction was a consequence of the No Foul Rule which the New York State Atchletic Commission adopted the same year, shortly after the Schmeling-Sharkey controversy. The first "official" foul protector was made of sponge, rubber and aluminium. Supposedly, the inventor challenged all the top heavyweights to have a go at him punching him in the groin while he was wearing it - just to prove how well it worked. Don't know if any test like that was actually carried out though. Anyway, the NYSAC bought the idea and made the foul protector more or less standard equipment. The first world championship fight to be fought with the No Foul Rule, and probably with the "official" foul protector was Al Singer vs. Sammy Mandell (1930). As for it's increasing size over the years I have no clue. I would assume it's because medics have pointed out that there are more fragile organs and bodyparts in the groin area than just testicles and dongs. The modern foul protectors cover most of the kidneys as well.
Previously they we called 'cod pieces' and 'jock straps' and just covered the 'jewels.' Now they could stop a small thermonuclear strike,and are so high they have snow on them.
Delahoya had a very high cup in some of his fights, its blatant cheating, the ref should force the shorts down
Some of the protectors seem too big, but is it not up to the camps to place complaints? If you can get away with it, then why not I guess is the mindset.
Noting an ironic twist of history, John L Sullivan and Jake Killrain had similar foul protectors that covered part of the abdomen. Nothing is ever new in boxing!
