If you’ve ever watched a boxing match, you may have noticed that most boxers have a clean-shaven appearance. While this might seem like a mere aesthetic preference, there are actually a number of reasons why boxers choose to shave their beards but regulations are the determining factor.
Pro boxers can have a beard as long as the jawline is visible whereas Olympic boxers are prohibited from having a beard full stop. Some jurisdictions place a length limit on a beard and specify how far down the face the beard can be grown.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of this and other key factors that influence boxers’ decisions to keep their faces smooth and hair-free.
Regulations and Rules
For many boxers, regulations either prohibit or limit beard-growing so the answer in some cases can be quite straightforward. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibits beards full stop and requires fighters to be clean-shaven. Depending on the jurisdiction, some professional boxing authorities limit the length or have rules as to how long a beard can be.
Why is this?
One research report might hold a clue. A study from Integrative Organismal Biology suggests that a long-held belief that facial hair can help to cushion a blow to the face might be accurate. The theory is that facial hair provides a layer of protection to lessen the effects of a punch to the jaw, thereby giving that competitor an unfair advantage.
A line from the Abstract of the report states the following:
These data support the hypothesis that human beards protect vulnerable regions of the facial skeleton from damaging strikes.
Integrative Organismal Biology
This concept isn’t new. As the report also references, British botanist Charles Darwin theorized that a lion’s mane (fur) offers a level of protection to their neck and head from the teeth and claws of other animals.
Professional boxing associations and amateur boxing organizations have their own policies on facial hair, which may require boxers to shave their beards or trim them to a certain length depending on where they are fighting or at what level the fight is held.
Safety Concerns
Another reason why boxers shave their beards is safety. Facial hair can pose a hazard in boxing, both to the boxer wearing the hair and to their opponents. In an amateur bout, a beard or mustache can interfere with the fit of a boxing helmet or headguard, potentially increasing the risk of head injuries.
There are also instances where a boxer’s facial hair has interfered with the ability to administer proper medical care during a match particularly when a cut is involved. This can include instances where facial hair impedes the application of a cutman’s work, obscures a medical professional’s view of an injury, or interferes with the use of oxygen masks in extreme cases.
Additionally, if a boxer’s facial hair is long or unkempt, it may get pulled or tangled during a fight, leading to discomfort or even injury.
Performance Benefits
Shaving can also have performance benefits for boxers on the one hand and can have a negative impact on fighters that have facial hair.
A fighter’s cornerman can often be seen applying Vaseline on the fighter’s face during rounds, not only to help with cuts and abrasions, but also to help punches slide off their face. Vaseline makes smooth skin slippery and can help to prevent a punch connecting properly. Facial hair adds friction which can have the opposite effect.
Plenty of times during fights, a ref has called a timeout when they notice that a fighter has too much Vaseline on their face, and has identified it as an unfair advantage, and gets the cornerman to remove it. The benefits of a slick face with freshly-shaved skin are well-known in boxing.
Some boxers also claim that shaving can improve their performance by making them feel more streamlined and focused. When you’re in the ring, even small distractions can have a big impact on your performance, and eliminating potential distractions like facial hair can help boxers stay sharp and focused.
Personal Preference
Finally, it’s worth noting that personal preference can also play a role in boxers’ decisions to shave their beards. Some boxers may simply prefer the look of a clean-shaven face, while others may shave for cultural or religious reasons.
In some cases, shaving may even be seen as a superstitious practice that brings good luck or wards off bad fortune.
As an aside, hair length can also come into play particularly when a fighter has very long hair that must be tied back and that may come loose during a fight, leading to a temporary stoppage to fix it.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of factors that influence why boxers choose to shave their beards. From safety concerns to regulations and performance benefits, there are a number of practical reasons why boxers may opt for a clean-shaven look.
However, personal preference also plays a role, and some boxers may choose to shave simply because they like the way it looks or because it’s part of their cultural or religious identity. Whatever the reason, the practice of shaving is an important part of the sport of boxing and one that has been observed for decades.