Boxing 101 is a bi-weekly inside look at the sport of boxing from the casual fans perspective. If there is a topic that you would like us to cover, write to us and let us know.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers had a record 111 million people watch and experience their Super Bowl victory this past February. Let’s conclude that a high-majority are well-educated fans; so I asked myself, “If even one-percent of those fans are not informed, that’s well over one million people that see the game very different from most”. I’m guessing these one-percenters are people who root for car crashes in NASCAR, fighting in hockey and treacherously-long bathroom waits for the opposite sex at sporting events (lots of fight fans in this clique).

The problem is with the one-percenters that cringe at the pugnaciousness of sports, and these people couldn’t be anymore turned-off by the seemingly mindless violence that is without a doubt, boxing. And a little misunderstanding can go a long way in spoiling a good thing.  

The sport at it’s best is live, moving art, and at the same time, unimaginably brutal. It is also embodies more than two angry guys who’ve come to an agreement using 12-ounce gloves as their weapon-of-choice. With that in mind, here are some pointers that can help you out of the bottom one-percent, and maybe bring a little more insight to the big picture.

1. Watch to Add Depth to The Experience

On a football field there are twenty-two players crashing into each other, moving at what would seem to us, “Warp Speed”. The trained fan can hone-in on intriguing match-ups between individual players or units, but lots of people are starring, curiously, until something big catches their attention. The difference: the depth with which you enjoy and appreciate. What you watch is going to create your experience as an observer. So, as far as boxing goes, if all you see is two angry guys legally killing each other, it may seem unpleasant.

2. Stop Looking For the Car Crash

There’s a lot more to NASCAR Racing than the crashes…like…burn outs and stuff. Same goes for the “Sweet Science”. Most of a fighter’s hard work, technique and talent is visible in all the good stuff leading up to the knockout. Therefore, paying attention to the details is a solid suggestion.

3. Forward Action

Whoever is pushing the pace is usually the more skilled fighter – and now that you know that, you can give them the majority of your attention, observing things they do repeatedly. This will help single out specific traits: hand-speed, combination-punching, counter-punching, footwork in setting up opponents, even your fighter’s favorite punch/combination to throw (Feel free to imitate in the privacy of your own living space, I’m sure you’ll look badass).

4. Adjusting Course

Observe one team’s game plan and their ability to adjust it throughout the fight. If their game plan is working: Are they becoming more aggressive to close the show? If not: What’s not working and what could they be doing?

5. Heart of a Champion

It amazes me, even more than the art of fighting, witnessing what comes out of these warriors when it seems like all is lost. Mano a Mano, wearing nothing but trunks, shoes and gloves, fighting in front of 111 million – okay, maybe a few less. Be careful, this sort of affinity can quickly become addicting, leading to newfound boxing cravings difficult to satisfy.

Hopefully, these five signposts (watching for depth, focusing on more than the crashes, identifying the boss, noticing the changing plans and seeking the defining moment) help make boxing seem a whittle wess murdyrous and possibly even, interesting. If there is one thing I can promise it’s that the state of boxing is healthy. Maybe not financially healthy, but, there are warriors in almost every weight division that have added many dimensions to my own big picture of the fight game, and I don’t think they want day jobs. Check em’ out sometime.