Comparison of Body Fat Percentages and Power Among Male Boxers Based on Winner and Non-winner

Abstract

Boxing is a contact sport where the boxers use both hands to gain point by punching to a target area. There are variety of fitness components embedded in the training of defining good boxers such as body composition, speed, strength, coordination, and power. The purpose of the study was to identify the profiling of male boxers and comparing the body fat percentages and power among winner and non-winner male boxers. Thirty-five male boxers who represented their state in the National Youth Boxing Tournament possessed the following body composition, n = 35; mean height 168.00 (±6.03) cm; weight 59.49 kg (±10.12); and BMI 21.01 (±2.93). Several tests were conducted in the following sequence (i) weight and height measurement; (ii) skinfold test; and (iii) Vertec power test. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the winners and non-winner boxers, and for power, there was a significant difference of (p < 0.05) among winners and non-winner boxers. It is concluded that the body fat percentage did not show any significant difference among the winners and non-winner boxers in terms of power, whereas there was a significant difference among the winners and non-winner boxers. To be a sound boxer, it requires good fitness attributes as demanded by the nature of boxing. This study will be a contribution to the physiological profile of Malaysian boxers.