Sports
SWEDEN
Boxing in Sweden
By Emilio
In Sweden, everybody knows what boxing is, and many people know the rules.
However, since it is not as big as in other countries and cultures such as Cuba and
America, many swedes do not know the rules and terms completely. From the
beginning, boxing was a rough sport practiced without gloves, and it has been so
popular that these days, it has developed to become a though but also rule-obeying
responsible sport where the participants do not have to risk their health way too much
every time they enter the ring.
Sweden is known for the rules, the order and the safety of the people so professional
boxing was actually forbidden here from the 70´s until 2007! If someone wants to train
boxing without having to punch real human beings, there is a form of exercise called
boxercise that lets you learn how to punch and many techniques. One swede has been a
heavyweight champion and it was Ingemar Johansson the years 1959-1960.
I felt like I wanted to call a Swedish boxing organization to see how the sport works
here and what goes on in the boxing gyms, so I called swedens oldest boxing club in
Stockholm called “IF LINNEA BOXNING”
Does the club have any special rules?
No, the club does not have any special rules really, we do not allow steroids and we
follow the rules of boxing.
Can Sweden have a new world champion in the future like Ingemar Johansson?
Absolutely, there are good boxers from Sweden but even if there are not too many
professional boxers, nothing is impossible.
Is boxing becoming more popular in Sweden?
From time to time yes, especially when it is shown in media, in the Olympics for
example, but when it is not too popular in media, less people apply for membership.
How do members feel about being part of your club, how is the atmosphere?
Members are very happy to be part of the club, it is similar to a big family and we all
take care of each other.
After the interview, I realize that boxing could be the next big sport because in sports,
you never really know what will happen next. Times change and maybe someday, a
swede will once again wear the big heavyweight belt around the abdomen.