The Boxer is a medium to large working dog breed developed in Germany during the late 19th century from crosses between the now-extinct Bullenbeisser—a mastiff-type hunting dog—and the English Bulldog.[1][2] Known for its athletic, muscular build with a short, smooth coat typically in fawn or brindle patterns accented by white markings, the breed stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 80 pounds, exhibiting a distinctive square head, expressive face, and docked tail in some lines.[3][4] Originally bred for tasks such as bull-baiting, cattle control in slaughterhouses, and guarding, Boxers later gained roles in military service during World War I and II as messenger and attack dogs, showcasing their intelligence, courage, and trainability.[3][1] The breed's first club formed in Munich in 1895, with initial exhibitions following shortly after, and it spread to the United States by the early 20th century, where it ranks consistently among popular breeds for its patient, playful nature with children and protective instincts toward family.[1][3] While celebrated for versatility in companionship, therapy work, and obedience competitions, Boxers face scrutiny in some regions due to their strength and occasional involvement in bite incidents, prompting debates over breed-specific restrictions despite evidence of their generally stable temperament when properly socialized.[3][5]
Sports
Pugilist in boxing
A pugilist, commonly referred to as a boxer, is an athlete who participates in the combat sport of boxing, which entails striking an opponent with gloved fists under codified rules emphasizing punches targeted above the belt to the head and torso. The term "pugilist" originates from the Latin pugil, denoting a fist-fighter or boxer, reflecting the sport's ancient roots in hand-to-hand combat adapted into a structured athletic discipline.[6] Modern boxing adheres to frameworks like the Marquess of Queensberry rules, drafted in 1865 and published in 1867, which introduced mandatory gloves, three-minute rounds, and prohibitions on wrestling or grappling to mitigate injury while preserving competitive punching.[7]The role of the pugilist emerged from bare-knuckle prizefighting in England, where unregulated fights dating back to at least 1681 evolved into a semi-professional pursuit by the 18th century, often lasting hours without time constraints or protective gear.[8] Professionalization accelerated in the 19th century with organized venues and sponsorship, transitioning to gloved contests that reduced some immediate brutality but retained inherent physical confrontations. Weight classes, essential for fair matchmaking, were formalized in the early 20th century; for instance, the National Sporting Club ratified eight traditional divisions in 1909, with implementation by 1910, standardizing limits from flyweight at 112 pounds upward.[9]Pugilists must maintain peak conditioning, integrating high-intensity interval training for anaerobic endurance, resistance exercises for explosive power, and skill drills to deliver precise, forceful punches over bouts typically spanning 10 to 12 rounds.[10] Empirical data underscore the role's hazards: repeated cranial impacts precipitate chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative braincondition confirmed in neuropathological examinations of deceased boxers exhibiting tau protein accumulation and cognitive decline.[11] Professional ring fatalities average 9 to 10 annually worldwide, predominantly from subdural hematomas or other acute brain traumas following knockouts or decisions, with historical estimates indicating over 500 deaths since 1884 under Queensberry governance.[12][13]
Animals
Boxer dog breed
The Boxer is a mastiff-type dog breed originating in Germany during the late 19th century, developed through crosses between the now-extinct Bullenbeisser—a large, mastiff-descended hunting dog used for holding large game—and the Old English Bulldog, with the goal of creating a versatile working dog for hunting, cattle-droving, and guarding.[14][15] Early breeding efforts focused on producing a dog with strength, agility, and endurance, as evidenced by the first Boxer club formed in Munich in 1895 and the breed's initial use in tracking and boar hunting.[1] The American Kennel Club recognized the Boxer in 1904, following its importation to the United States, where initial registrations emphasized its utility as a guard and service dog.[16]Physically, the Boxer exhibits a medium-to-large build suited to its historical roles, with males typically standing 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighing 65-80 pounds, while females measure 21.5-23.5 inches and weigh 50-65 pounds.[3] The breed features a short, smooth coat in fawn or brindle patterns with white markings, and a distinctive brachycephalic muzzle that contributes to its square-headed profile and underbite, traits inherited from its Bulldog ancestry.[17] These characteristics reflect genetic adaptations for power and bite strength, as the Bullenbeisser lineage provided mastiff-like robustness, though modern breeding has shifted emphasis toward companionship over fieldwork.[14]Empirically, Boxers demonstrate high energy levels requiring substantial daily exercise to prevent behavioral issues, stemming from their working heritage, alongside protective instincts that manifest in alerting to strangers, though American Temperament Test Society data shows an 83.9% pass rate on standardized tests assessing stability in human interactions, indicating lower owner-directed aggression compared to more reactive breeds but with line-specific variability.[3] Health-wise, the breed faces elevated risks from genetic predispositions, including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy affecting up to 40% by ages 5-7 in some cohorts, dilated cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure, and cancers such as lymphoma, contributing to an average lifespan of 10-12 years.[18][19][3] These conditions arise from brachycephalic structure and inherited mutations, underscoring the need for screening in breeding programs to mitigate prevalence.[20]
Clothing
Boxer shorts
Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's undergarments that extend to mid-thigh, designed to provide freedom of leg movement and ventilation compared to more constrictive styles like briefs.[21] Introduced as an alternative to tight-fitting underwear prevalent in the early 20th century, they prioritize mobility and reduced chafing during physical activity, originating from athletic needs rather than everyday contouring support.[22]The style traces to 1925, when Jacob Golomb, founder of the boxing equipment company Everlast, developed elastic-waistband trunks for prizefighters to replace leather belts that restricted footwork, enabling unhindered kicking and pivoting motions.[21] These "boxer" trunks lent their name to the garment due to the enhanced range of motion they afforded combatants, a feature later adapted for civilian use.[23] Adoption as standard underwear accelerated after World War II, when U.S. military-issued versions familiarized servicemen with the loose fit, leading to widespread civilian preference over union suits or shorts by the 1950s.[24]Typically constructed from breathable cotton or synthetic blends like modal and polyester, boxer shorts facilitate air circulation and moistureabsorption to minimize skin irritation, though they offer less genital support than fitted alternatives, potentially leading to shifting fabric during vigorous motion.[25] This trade-off favors casual wear and sleep over athletics, where briefs provide tighter containment. By the mid-20th century, they had become a default for non-active male attire in Western markets.[24]Addressing critiques of inadequate support, hybrid boxer briefs emerged in the early 1990s under designer John Varvatos at Calvin Klein, combining the leg length of boxers with elasticized pouches for better hold while retaining partial mobility.[24] This variant gained traction for balancing ventilation with stability, influencing subsequent underwear evolution without supplanting traditional loose boxers for low-support scenarios.[26]
History
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion, known in China as the Yihetuan Movement, emerged in 1899 as a nativist uprising led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists (Yihetuan), a secret society of peasants and artisans primarily in Shandong province.[27] Triggered by economic hardship—including the 1898 Yellow River flood that destroyed harvests and a subsequent 1899 drought that exacerbated famine and displacement—the movement channeled xenophobic resentment toward foreign imperial encroachments, such as spheres of influence granted via unequal treaties following the Opium Wars, and the presence of Christian missionaries who converted locals viewed as disloyal.[28] Participants practiced calisthenic and incantation rituals, convinced these conferred supernatural invulnerability to modern weaponry, which propelled indiscriminate attacks on foreigners, missionaries, and Chinese Christians rather than targeted political reform.[29]By spring 1900, amid Qing Dynasty weakness and imperial support from figures like Empress Dowager Cixi, the violence escalated nationwide, culminating in the 55-day siege of Beijing's foreign legations starting June 20, where Boxers and imperial troops blockaded diplomats, civilians, and converts.[27] The uprising resulted in approximately 32,000 Chinese Christian deaths and over 200 foreign civilian fatalities, including missionaries and traders, through massacres, arson of churches, and ritualistic killings.[30][31] An Eight-Nation Alliance of approximately 20,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Italy, and Austria-Hungary assembled to suppress the rebellion, marching from Tianjin to relieve the Beijing siege on August 14–15 after defeating Boxer irregulars lacking effective command or firepower.[32][27]The Boxer Protocol, signed September 7, 1901, formalized Qing capitulation, mandating execution of Boxer leaders and supportive officials, demolition of Beijing's coastal forts, bans on arms imports, permanent foreign garrisons in the capital, and an indemnity of 450 million taels of silver—equivalent to roughly one-third of China's annual revenue—paid over 39 years to the alliance powers.[33][31] This financial burden, compounded by prior treaty obligations, bankrupted the Qing treasury and eroded central authority, spurring failed Late Qing reforms while fostering revolutionary movements that toppled the dynasty in the 1911 Xinhai Revolution.[31] The rebellion's reliance on millenarian superstition and intra-Chinese violence, rather than strategic opposition to opium trade or extraterritoriality alone, underscored its roots in desperation and folklore over coherent nationalism, ultimately hastening foreign dominance it sought to expel.[29]
Military
Boxer armoured fighting vehicle
The Boxer is a German-designed, multi-role 8×8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicle developed jointly by ARTEC GmbH, a consortium of Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS).[34] Initiated in 1994 as a collaborative effort involving Germany, the Netherlands, and later the United Kingdom, the programme emphasized modularity to support roles including troop transport, command and control, ambulance, and recovery.[35] Production began in 2009 at facilities in Germany and the Netherlands, with over 500 units delivered by 2021 across variants.[36] The vehicle's core platform features a swappable mission module separated from the drive module by a central bulkhead, enabling reconfiguration in under an hour while enhancing survivability through isolated crew and engine compartments.[37]Technical specifications include a combat weight of approximately 33-38 tonnes depending on configuration and armour add-ons, powered by an MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel engine delivering 530 kW (711 hp) for a top road speed of 103 km/h and a range exceeding 1,000 km.[35] The hull employs welded steel with optional composite appliqué armour meeting STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic protection and a V-shaped underbelly for mine and IED resistance up to 10 kg TNT equivalent.[38] Suspension is independent double-wishbone with run-flat tyres, supporting amphibious fording up to 1.5 m depth without preparation.[37] Armament varies by module, typically including a remote weapon station with 12.7 mm machine gun for transport variants or 30 mm autocannon and anti-tank missiles for infantry fighting configurations, integrated with digital fire control systems.[36]Operational history includes initial German deployment for driver training in 2010, followed by limited fielding in Afghanistan for logistics and command roles by the Bundeswehr, where it accumulated over 90,000 km in trials demonstrating reliability across terrains.[39] The Netherlands operates around 200 units for mechanized infantry, while the UK awarded a £2.8 billion contract in 2019 for 623 Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIV), with first local production in 2025 and initial operating capability targeted for 2030 amid delays from supply chain issues.[40] Australia's 2018 selection under LAND 400 Phase 2 for 211 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) at approximately AUD 25 million per unit reflects customized variants with heavier turrets, though programme delays to 2024 stemmed from integration challenges rather than inherent design flaws.[41][42]Critiques centre on acquisition costs, estimated at €4-5 million for basic APC variants and up to €7-9 million for armed configurations, attributed to advanced modularity and protection levels that exceed lighter wheeled peers but strain budgets in large fleets.[34] Recent upgrades include Germany's 2025 integration of the Trophy active protection system on select units to counter RPGs and drones, enhancing lethality without altering core mobility.[43]Interoperability remains a strength, as evidenced by joint exercises with NATO allies, prioritizing standardized C4I systems over unproven claims of tactical dominance.[36]
Warships named Boxer
The name Boxer has been applied to multiple warships in the Royal Navy and United States Navy, deriving from the pugilistic connotation and originating with a British vessel captured early in the 19th century.[44]HMS Boxer (1812), a 14-gun Bold-class brig-sloop launched on 25 July 1812, served briefly in the War of 1812 before engaging USS Enterprise (14 guns, later rearmed to 16) on 5 September 1813 off Pemaquid Point, Maine. The 30-minute broadside exchange resulted in the deaths of both captains—Royal Navy Lt. Samuel Blyth and USN Lt. William Burrows—with Boxer suffering 13 killed and 17 wounded compared to Enterprise's 0 killed and 13 wounded; the British ship surrendered and was taken as a prize, later sold at auction for $42,500 after repairs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.[45][45]The USN has borne six ships named Boxer, honoring the 1813 victory. USS Boxer (CV-21), the fifth, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier (initially classified as a Ticonderoga-class light carrier but completed to Essex standard) with a standard displacement of 27,100 long tons, commissioned on 16 April 1945 at Newport News, Virginia. In the Korean War, she transited from Alameda to Japan in a record 8.5 days (14–22 July 1950), delivering 170 aircraft, personnel, and equipment, then conducted air strikes and support missions off Korea from September 1951 to March 1952 and other periods, earning eight battle stars before reclassifications to CVA-21 (1 October 1952), CVS-21 (15 November 1955 for antisubmarine role), and LPH-4 (amphibious transport); she was decommissioned on 1 December 1969 and scrapped in 1971.[44][44][44]USS Boxer (LHD-4), the sixth and currently active, is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship with a full-load displacement of 40,500 long tons, commissioned on 11 February 1995 after keel-laying on 8 April 1991 and launch on 13 August 1993 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. Designed for multi-role power projection, she accommodates approximately 1,800 Marines, up to 69 vehicles including M1 Abrams tanks via well deck, and operates AV-8B Harrier STOVL aircraft (typically 6–10) alongside helicopters and LCACs; deployments include support for Operation Iraqi Freedom (e.g., 2003 surge with Marine Expeditionary Units) and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (e.g., 2004–2005 carrier-onboard delivery and special operations), plus anti-piracy patrols off Somalia in 2009.[46][47]Other examples include HMS Boxer (F92), lead Batch 2 Type 22 frigate (4,400 tons displacement, commissioned 14 January 1984), which served in anti-submarine and general-purpose roles until decommissioning on 4 August 1999 and sinking as a target in 2004.[48]
Engineering
Boxer engine
The boxer engine, also known as a horizontally opposed or flat engine, features cylinders arranged in two banks on opposite sides of a common crankshaft, with pistons moving in a horizontally opposed manner toward and away from each other. This configuration achieves inherent primary and secondary balance as the reciprocating masses of opposing pistons neutralize each other's forces, minimizing vibration without additional counterweights required in inline or V-type engines. The design's mechanical symmetry reduces rocking couples, contributing to smoother operation compared to unbalanced layouts.[49]Karl Benz patented the first boxer engine in 1896, initially as a two-cylinder "contra" engine for racing applications, marking an early advancement in internal combustion engine balance. This layout saw adoption in aviation during the interwar period and World War II era, where air-cooled flat-opposed engines powered light aircraft for their compact profile and reliable cooling via exposed cylinder heads, though radial engines dominated larger fighters. Postwar, the design persisted in general aviation with boxer-four and boxer-six variants from manufacturers like Continental and Lycoming, valued for vibration damping in propeller-driven planes.[50][49]In automotive use, Subaru introduced its first production boxer-four engine in the 1966 Subaru 1000 sedan, leveraging the layout's low center of gravity—positioned closer to the vehicle's longitudinal axis—for enhanced stability and handling, particularly in all-wheel-drive models. Porsche has employed boxer-six engines in the 911 since its 1963 debut, maintaining rear-engine balance while achieving lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels through opposed-piston cancellation, though longitudinal mounting poses oil scavenging challenges under high lateral loads. Advantages include superior natural cooling from horizontal airflow over fins and reduced overall height for packaging, but drawbacks encompass wider engine bays, complex exhaust routing, and potential head gasket stress from uneven thermal expansion. Empirical testing shows boxer engines yielding up to 20-30% lower vibration amplitudes than equivalent inline-fours at idle and mid-range speeds, supporting their niche in performance vehicles.[51][52][49]
Entertainment
Film and television
The 1997 Irish drama film The Boxer, directed by Jim Sheridan, portrays former IRA member Danny Flynn (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) resuming his boxing career in Belfast after 14 years in prison, navigating personal redemption and political tensions during the Troubles.[53] The film earned critical acclaim for its authentic depiction of boxing as a metaphor for resilience amid sectarian conflict, with Day-Lewis's physical transformation praised by professional trainers for realism.[54]In 2024, the Polish biographical sports filmBoxer chronicles the life of Olympic champion Jędrzej Kulej, focusing on his escape from communist Poland with his wife to pursue a professional career, emphasizing themes of defiance and athletic ambition.[55] Starring Eryk Kulm Jr. as the titular fighter, the Netflix release highlights Kulej's real-world achievements, including two Olympic gold medals in 1964 and 1968, while underscoring the risks of defection in the Cold War era.[56]Television depictions of boxers include reality series like The Contender (2005–2009), which followed aspiring professional fighters in competitive eliminations for a multimillion-dollar contract and title bout opportunity, produced by Mark Burnett and featuring trainers such as Sugar Ray Leonard. The series spotlighted raw training and bouts but drew scrutiny for contestant welfare, exemplified by the 2005 suicide of participant Najee Frank after elimination.Boxing-themed narratives in film and television frequently symbolize physical endurance and social struggle, yet often underemphasize long-term health risks such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), with critiques noting glamorized portrayals prioritize dramatic victories over documented neurological decline in retired fighters.[57] Fictional boxers, from Danny Flynn to biopic subjects, reinforce archetypes of grit, though empirical studies on combat sports indicate higher CTE incidence among professionals, a factor rarely integrated into scripts for narrative pacing.[58]
Music
"The Boxer" is a folk rocksong written by Paul Simon and released as a single by Simon & Garfunkel on March 21, 1969, ahead of its inclusion on the album Bridge over Troubled Water.[59] The lyrics employ the metaphor of a boxer enduring hardship and isolation in the face of cruelty and poverty, reflecting themes of resilience and the immigrant experience in New York City.[59] It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[60]Boxer is the fourth studio album by the American indie rock band The National, released on May 22, 2007.[61] The record delves into introspective themes of personal turmoil, regret, and emotional restraint, with tracks like "Fake Empire" and "Slow Show" evoking a sense of quiet struggle akin to a boxer's internal battles.[61] It received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric production and lyrical depth, contributing to the band's breakthrough in indie music circles.[62]The Boxer Rebellion is a British indie rock band formed in London in 2001, consisting of members including Nathan Nicholson on vocals and guitar.[63] Known for their atmospheric sound blending post-rock influences with melodic introspection, the group's name draws from the historical Boxer Rebellion but aligns with themes of defiance and endurance in their music, such as on albums like Exits (2005).[63] Their work often features expansive guitar work and subdued rhythms, evoking a metaphorical fight against adversity.[64]In broader musical contexts, the term "boxer" frequently appears in lyrics as a symbol of tenacity and combat against life's challenges, as seen in various rock and hip-hop tracks that reference pugilistic imagery for personal triumphs or setbacks.[65] This motif underscores a cultural association with raw determination, distinct from literal depictions of the sport.[66]
Literature and fiction
Fictional characters
In George Orwell's allegorical novella Animal Farm, first published on August 17, 1945, by Secker and Warburg, Boxer is portrayed as a massive, loyal cart-horse whose strength and dedication exemplify the exploited laborer's virtues. Standing nearly eighteen hands high and capable of work equivalent to two ordinary horses, he repeatedly rebuilds the farm's windmill after its destruction, ignoring his advancing age and injuries in service to the animal community's revolutionary ideals.[67] His signature mottos—"I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right"—reflect an unyielding work ethic and blind faith in authority, driving him to superhuman efforts despite evident physical toll.[67]Boxer's arc culminates in betrayal, as the ruling pigs, led by Napoleon, exploit his loyalty by selling him to a knacker's yard for glue and alcohol upon his collapse from a lunginjury, falsifying the transaction as hospitalization. This fate underscores the causal perils of naive optimism and unquestioning obedience, where individual endurance sustains a corrupt regime without reciprocal protection, a dynamic rooted in the novella's depiction of power consolidation post-rebellion. Orwell draws no explicit redemption for Boxer, emphasizing instead how such traits enable manipulation absent critical reasoning.[67]Less prominent fictional Boxers appear in niche literary works, often as pugilistic figures symbolizing raw tenacity amid exploitation. In boxing-centric narratives, these characters typically highlight endurance's limits, where physical prowess yields to systemic deceit or personal naivety, echoing broader themes of unexamined labor without achieving Orwell's canonical status. No major print works feature recurrent Boxers beyond such symbolic roles, with textual evidence prioritizing endurance's double-edged nature over heroic triumph.[68]
People
Individuals with the surname Boxer
Barbara Boxer (born November 11, 1940) served as a Democratic U.S. Senator from California from 1993 to 2017, following six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993.[69][70] During her Senate tenure, she chaired the Environment and Public Works Committee and advocated for environmental protections, contributing to legislation such as the 1994 California Desert Protection Act, which designated over 8 million acres of federal land as wilderness and national monuments in California.[71][72] She introduced hundreds of bills over her congressional career, consistent with typical senatorial output, though passage rates for such legislation averaged around 4-5% in her final sessions, reflecting broader congressional gridlock rather than unique ineffectiveness.[73][74]Boxer faced criticism for partisanship, aligning with Democratic positions in 98% of votes during her later years, which contributed to prolonged debates and filibusters on issues like Iraq War authorizations and nominations.[75] Opponents accused her of prioritizing publicity over bipartisan progress, as seen in high-profile confrontations such as her 2005 questioning of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's Iraq policy judgment.[76] Allegations of improper stock trading surfaced from Republican challengers during her 1994 and 2000 campaigns, though no formal investigations confirmed wrongdoing, and she later co-sponsored the 2012 STOCK Act to prohibit insider trading by members of Congress.[77][78] Regional critics, particularly in California's Central Valley, faulted her for insufficient action on water allocation amid droughts, viewing her environmental stances as exacerbating agricultural constraints.[79]After retiring in 2017, Boxer transitioned to lobbying and media commentary, including roles with firms focused on policy advocacy and appearances critiquing Republican administrations.[80]Other non-athletic individuals with the surname include Mark Boxer (1931–1988), a British journalist, cartoonist, and editor who contributed to publications like The Tatler and The Sunday Times, known for satirical illustrations and columns on politics and society.[81]
Pugilists and athletes
Muhammad Ali (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) compiled a professional boxing record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts.[82] He secured the world heavyweight title three times, most notably reclaiming it via his upset knockout of George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire. Ali's refusal to be inducted into the U.S. military on April 28, 1967, led to a draft evasion conviction on June 20, 1967, resulting in a five-year prison sentence, $10,000 fine, and stripping of his boxing license; the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction unanimously on June 28, 1971, citing procedural errors in his conscientious objector claim.[83] Post-retirement, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, with neurologists attributing its onset to cumulative head trauma from boxing, though his family contested a direct causal link, emphasizing genetic and environmental factors.[84][85]Mike Tyson (born June 30, 1966) holds a professional record of 50 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts, yielding an 88% knockout rate among victories.[86] He became the youngest heavyweight champion on November 22, 1986, at age 20, defeating Trevor Berbick by second-round TKO to unify the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles. Tyson's career included disqualification for biting Evander Holyfield's ear twice during their June 28, 1997, rematch, prompting a $3 million fine—10% of his purse—and indefinite license suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.[87] Tyson returned for an exhibition bout against Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, losing by unanimous decision in an eight-round match streamed on Netflix.[88]Professional boxing's high-risk nature extends beyond physical tolls to financial pitfalls, with reports indicating that many fighters, including high earners like Tyson—who filed for bankruptcy in 2003 despite $400 million in career earnings—dissipate fortunes through extravagant spending, poor investments, and exploitative management. Advisors estimate that up to 80% of boxers face severe financial distress post-career due to inadequate planning and reliance on unreliable entourages, underscoring systemic issues in the sport's economic structure.[89][90]