Why is a Boxing Ring Called a Ring (?)

Not entirely sure why it is called a ring. As others have said, people used to form a circle or ring around the combatants. Some cultures used to draw a ring with chalk or use stones (similar to a sumo ring).

As for boxings origins, it is generally taken to come from the Greeks. Yes, fighting, and even fighting for a prize, has been around since the dawn of time. But, stand up fighting involving punching and not much wrestling in front of crowd for a prize and glory is usually attributed to the ancient Greeks and the original Olympics. It may have occurred in other cultures earlier, but this is the oldest example of it that historians have found of it occuring on such a grand scale.

It may have different rules and techniques to modern day boxing, but it is daft to say that one did not form the basis of the other when they share so many similarities; two men punching each other other in front of a crowd and the winner getting the prize and glory.

It is like pankration, another ancient Olympic sport, and modern MMA. They may look different, but clearly one has its origins in the other.

 

Wikipedia has some info , who knows it may be true

" The earliest known depiction of boxing comes from a Sumerian relief in Iraq from the 3rd millennium BC.[1] Later depictions from the 2nd millennium BC are found in reliefs from the Mesopotamian nations of Assyria and Babylonia, and in Hittite art from Asia Minor. The earliest evidence for fist fighting with any kind of gloves can be found on Minoan Crete (c. 1500–900 BC), and on Sardinia, if we consider the boxing statues of Prama mountains (c. 2000–1000 BC).[1]
Boxing was a popular spectator sport in Ancient Rome. In order for the fighters to protect themselves against their opponents they wrapped leather thongs around their fists. Eventually harder leather was used and the thong soon became a weapon. The Romans even introduced metal studs to the thongs to make the cestus which then led to a more sinister weapon called the myrmex ('limb piercer').[citation needed] Fighting events were held at Roman Amphitheatres. The Roman form of boxing was often a fight until death to please the spectators who gathered at such events. However, especially in later times, purchased slaves and trained combat performers were valuable commodities, and their lives were not given up without due consideration. Often slaves were used against one another in a circle marked on the floor. This is where the term ring came from. In AD 393, during the Roman gladiator period, boxing was abolished due to excessive brutality. It was not until the late 17th century that boxing re-surfaced in London "

 

Pugalista Lucaras...the greatest Greek fighter! Had over 1000 fights. Fought well into his 70's, never lost! Legend has it, that he stood almost 7 feet , and competed in the Olympics as a long distance runner. Gee.. I wonder if that's were we get the term pugalist?:bbb