Music for Boxing Training

Boxing and music have been historically intertwined. Music is played at most boxing events to create a spectacle and increase entertainment value. Many people training to be boxers listen to music, as it enhances their workout. Even the Rocky movies are famous for their musical training montages. Miles Davis, the famous jazz musician, was a noted boxing enthusiast, according to Blogcritics.org.

  1. Function

    • The most common function of music in boxing is to increase morale and energy. Professional boxing matches often have loud, heavy music that is suggestive of testosterone and violence. According to Defend.net, some boxers prefer to train while listening to music because the beat and tempo help them stay in rhythm with their punching routines and running workouts.

    Types

    • Many different types of music can be used for boxing. However, Marieclaire.com suggests that songs with a tempo of 140 to 150 beats per minute are best for the speed of most boxing workouts. Rock songs are prominent in many boxing movies and media. However, the heavy rhythmic elements of hip-hop make it a prime candidate for marking the tempo of a training session. The type of music played for boxing largely depends on the personality of the fighter playing the music.

    Considerations

    • Those choosing music for boxing should consider the volume of the music, the instruments used, the lyrical content and the tempo of the song. Music that sounds good at a loud volume can get a crowd enthusiastic about a fight. While percussion instruments are very rhythmic and give a fight or training session momentum, violins and bassoons may be less appropriate. Songs about overcoming obstacles or violence are good topics for boxing, but love songs probably won't fit well. Also, a song with a very slow tempo may take away the energy needed for boxing.

    Significance

    • Boxing and music have had many crossovers throughout history. The famous jazz pianist, Red Garland, was a known boxer. Jazz in particular seems to attract boxing enthusiasts, and parallels can be drawn between the use of rhythm and improvisation apparent in each field. However, the use of jazz music with boxing training has declined since the 1960s.

    Popular Songs

    • There are some popular songs that have become associated with boxing. "Gonna Fly Now" by Bill Conti and performed by Maynard Fergeson, was prominently featured throughout the Rocky series of movies. Other famous musical moments in boxing include the playing of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" during the Hopkins vs. Jones fight in 2009 and Miles Davis dedicating his Jack Johnson album to the legendary boxer of the same name.