Boxing, like many sports, raises questions of Christian ethics. Some view boxing as a form of extreme sports, while others consider it to be more like extreme fighting. Some professional boxers integrate their Christian faith into the sport, praying for safety and sportsmanship, and do their best to reflect Christ as they interact with others. Some choose to have nothing to do with boxing or sports fighting because it goes against their morals regarding violence.
Every believer should examine their own motives and responses to any given activity or media choice. As we seek to follow Christ's example by studying God's Word and listening to the Holy Spirit, we start to develop our own personal standards, morals, boundaries, and convictions. That way, we can each be ready when the time comes to make decisions about what we do, watch, and participate in.
Many televised sporting events feature "ring girls," women who are barely dressed, walking around with a sign to indicate the current round, which could pose a temptation for lust (Matthew 5:28). Sometimes audience members or promotions for boxing matches will use offensive, angry, or derogatory language, which does not align with speaking in a way that honors God (Colossians 3:17). Participants in the sport of boxing can be unnecessarily pressured into unhealthy physical practices, such as extreme weight loss or calorie restriction or use of "performance enhancing" drugs, which is the opposite of taking good care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
The Bible does not actively encourage fighting. So a fight behind the school or in the street is not something a follower of Christ should participate in or gawk at. Proverbs 3:31 says, "Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways..." However, boxing is different because it's an activity with rules that are mutually agreed upon by the participants—kind of like martial arts, American football, or hockey. There's no intention of vengeance, mayhem, or killing, which would be criminally and morally wrong.
Scripture does not actually advocate for total pacifism. In fact, we see David asking God to train him for battle in Psalm 144:1. And David's training wasn't for entertainment or recreation—it had lethal intent (1 Samuel 18:7). The concept of physical training, practicing, and competing in combat techniques IS in alignment with a biblical worldview. But fighting for personal vengeance, out of anger, or to seek revenge are not biblical reasons.
What happens in a boxing ring between two combatants, in a controlled environment, is neither morally nor materially equivalent to the type of violence the Bible prohibits in the life of a Christian (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Whether you choose to participate in or watch boxing, be sure that you are fully convinced that it is right for you personally.
Using the principles we learn in Romans 14, a believer can consider participation in or watching boxing as a matter of personal conviction and conscience, and ultimately a decision to be made between them and God. Since the Bible doesn't explicitly condemn OR condone boxing, that means you must consider your own faith and moral values (Proverbs 25:28), seek guidance (James 1:5), and follow your conscience.
Using the principles we learn in Romans 14, a believer can consider participation in or watching boxing as a matter of personal conviction and conscience, and ultimately a decision to be made between them and God. Since the Bible doesn't explicitly condemn OR condone boxing, that means you must consider your own faith and moral values (Proverbs 25:28), seek guidance (James 1:5), and follow your conscience.
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
