Fans have only just discovered why a boxing ring is actually square

Boxing has taken place inside a ring for centuries - despite the ring being a square object.

While the sport of boxing dates back to ancient times, the first recorded use of a boxing ring for fights was only in the 1700s.

English bareknuckle boxer Jack Broughton drafted a list of basic rules for boxing in 1838 - outlawing many behaviours that were seen in the early days of fighting - and a square ring was introduced for the first time.

The first ring, designed by the Pugilistic Society, was 24 feet square and bound by two ropes, instead of the modern day three ropes.

But why is it described as a 'ring', despite being square?

The real reason, again, likely dates back several centuries, when there was no official ring in use.

Instead, spectators would effectively form a 'ring' around the fighters - which is where the term appears to have carried over into modern day boxing.

There was a marked circle in which fighters would have to strictly stay within during fights.

The term 'ring' was still used, as per Wonderopolis, because it had become commonplace within combat sports.

In combat sports nowadays, you will often hear the ring described as the 'squared circle', in what is partially a nod back to those early days of the sport being fully recognised.

Getty

Another reason for the ring being square is because they are easier to construct, and able to withstand more weight than a circular ring would be able to.

The UFC, meanwhile, utilises an Octagon for its ring in order to provide extra safety for the competitors, who often operate in a much larger surface area than boxers.

It also promotes a wide range of different martial arts techniques, while stopping a fighter from being trapped in the corner - unlike in boxing, where corner fighting is sometimes a key component of fights.