why do amateur boxers in europe wear vests?

Question

many amateurs in usa seem to strip to waist. the vest serves no safety purpose and does not serve to identify the fighter.

Answer 1

I agree with a few answers to a degree here. But the main reason for it is to easily sort fighters out. With SO MANY amatuers, it is easier for the judges to think Red clothes vs White clothes instead of Lewis vs Bowe (1988 Olypics referance). In the big time pros, you can tell who is who. But with them all being unknown and their face mostly covered anyways by the mask, it's like a MAD magazine "Spy vs Spy" thing. It is simply to make them really easy to visually separate.

Answer 2

I live in Europe and I honestly have no idea what you mean by vests. I've only seen vests on women amateur boxers. Granted that I normally only go to or watch the pro fights, but I've been known to watch some amateur bouts.

I am an American and proud to be, but those that talk crap about Euro fighters are talking out of their bunghole. Just how many American champs do we have right now? Sure, I would like to see more but until the USA produces some quality talent the Euro countries will dominate the sport. Especially when most of these guys are coming from former eastern block countries where life is hard and it takes dedication to get somewhere. These guys are just much more motivated than their American counterparts. Sorry to say.

Answer 3

Hound ~
You're mistaken my friend, fighters in the United States have to wear vest (tank tops) according to USA Boxing the governing body for amateur fighters rules and regulations, they say wearing a vest "Absorbs sweat and Dirt". Other than being in the gym, I've never seem a amateur bout in the past 30 years where a vest wasn't worn.

The reason for the vest (tank top) is a matter of formality. There is no other reason for wearing the vest. Pro boxers would be the only fighters in England and else where to compete shirtless while amateur boxing was deemed to be more dignified.

Thanks for the question Hound.

Answer 4

amateur boxers wear vests simply because its their uniform like people who do karate wear a gi and the same as pro boxers wear just the shorts its the uniform.

Answer 5

I used to box and I was vary good at it too,For Vons Market,but they didn't make me wear a vest!

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Because their mums won't let them out without a clean vest and pants.

Answer 8

The vest protects their sensitive nipples.

Answer 9

it was brought in to show decency and respect to lady attenders when it was starting to be acceptable for women to attend boxing bills at start of century, prior to that women werent allowed to attend and boxers wore little items

Answer 10

haha vests,in ireland we wear jumpers when were fightin,ud freeze otherwise