Why Every Boxer Needs a Groin Guard | Protection and Support Combined
Without groin guards, one accidental hit on the genitals can cause severe pain, testicular ruptures, internal bleeding, and nerve damage. There have been incidents of such injuries turning into long-term genital pain, damage requiring surgery, and even sterility. Keeping these risks in mind, groin hits are universally banned in combat sports and in boxing since the Marquess of Queensberry Rules.
Groin-protecting cups are made from hard plastic on the outside to absorb and deflect impact and foam or gel padding on the inside to reduce the shock. A jockstrap, often made of durable elastic and nylon materials, holds the guard in place to prevent your genitals from getting exposed during fights or training.
Benefits of Wearing Boxing Groin Guard
You don’t want the embarrassment of having your genitals exposed or hurt during competition in front of a packed crowd. Not only that, the crotch is one of the most sensitive and important areas of the human body. Groin guards prevent you from any reproductive system injury and ensure the ideal protection against accidental low blows.
Comfort and Versatility
A perfectly sized groin guard will ensure your move freely on the mat without the worries of your genitals getting exposed or hurt. Modern customized groin guards with jockstraps holding them are very light in feel and hold your private parts in position through intense movements. The cotton or nylon pouch ensures prime breathability, allowing you to focus on the match or training.
Preventing Serious Injuries
The groin area contains sensitive organs that a misplaced punch or kick can severely injure. A direct blow to this area can result in intense pain, bruising, and even long-term damage, such as nerve injury or fractures. Although groin protectors don’t completely prevent the pain, their foam padding and hard plastic body absorb the shock and disperse its force, preventing a serious injury to your genitals.
Gender-Specific Groin Guards
The best thing about groin guards is that they’re not gender specific. Top groin guard manufacturers and suppliers ensure catering to the needs of every potential customer. Male groin protectors are focused on protecting the testicles and the surrounding area, using a cup-style protector that fits securely over the groin. Conversely, female groin guards are tailored to provide protection over a wider area, covering the groin and lower abdomen. This design ensures that sensitive areas unique to the female body are well-protected during intense boxing movements.
Boosting Confidence in the Ring
With an unprotected groin area, you’ll always have the fear of getting hit with an accidental low blow. Groin guards relieve you of this worry by working as a shield that feels like nothing and protects everything. A well-fitted groin guard gives you the peace of mind to concentrate on your technique and strategies, knowing you’re protected from any and every blow below the belt.
Notable Injuries Caused by Lack of Groin Protection – Prevention Over Recovery
Boxing history is filled with several occasions where boxers took low blows from opponents, resulting in temporary or permanent injuries. Even during the regulated era, many fighters preferred not to wear protective cups. Their ignorance was punished with the sport teaching them a lesson in prevention the hard way.
Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota (1996)
One of the most infamous boxing bouts saw two renowned heavyweight boxers of the time face off in multiple controversial bouts the same year. Both fights resulted in Andrew Golota hitting consecutive low blows to Riddick Bowe. The illegal blows caused Bowe severe pain, leading him to quit the fight and ultimately awarded victory by disqualification. Bowe won, but at what cost? Several days in the hospital and months of no contest.
Ken Norton vs. Muhammad Ali (1973)
Heavyweight greats Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton faced off in their rematch for the NABF heavyweight title. Kenny was struck with low blows during the fight, affecting his performance and resulting in a split decision loss. He suffered a severely swollen scrotum since he wasn’t wearing a groin guard.
Greg Page vs. Ray Mercer (1991)
Former heavyweight champion Greg Page endured a brutal groin shot from Ray Mercer during their match in 1991. Though it’s unclear whether Page was unprotected, the impact was so severe that it took away his ability to have children.
Amir Khan vs. Canelo Alvarez (2016)
A highly anticipated fight billed as ‘Speed vs. Power’ saw Amir Khan facing Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez. During the fight, Khan suffered accidental low blows from Canelo. Although it wasn’t officially confirmed whether he was fully unprotected, the groin shot severely affected Khan, which contributed to his knockout.
These instances show how negligence in protecting your sensitive body parts can cause severe injuries and even permanent conditions to even the toughest beings. It is important to choose a perfectly fitted groin guard and ensure using it during sparring sessions and professional fights.
Final Words: Keep your Groin Guards Maintained
The groin guard is a must-have for every boxer based on the level of protection and support they offer to the genitals. Always keep them in ready-to-use condition to reduce the risk of injuries. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, like cracks or unbalanced fit, consider it time to change your protective guard. Consider a reliable boxing gear manufacturer like Infinitude Fight to find the perfect fit, durability, and functionality combined.
FAQs
Can Wearing a Groin Guard Affect Your Boxing Performance?
A well-fitted groin guard is designed to provide protection while allowing free movement, so it won’t negatively impact performance.
What are the Mandatory Features Every Groin Guard Should Have?
Every boxing groin guard, whether for men or women, should have enough padding to absorb and disperse heavy strikes and should allow natural movements to the wearer without itching and rashes.
Can You Train Without a Groin Guard?
It is not recommended to train without a groin guard, as accidental low blows can happen even during sparring, potentially causing serious injury.
How Do You Determine Your Groin Guard Size?
Your groin guard size is the same as your waist size. So technically, you’ll measure the jockstrap that holds the guard, not the guard itself.