# Boxing scores
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-scores/724163
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
**Created:** [July 3, 2015, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-scores/724163 "2015-07-03T20:43:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2015, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-scores/724163/1 "2015-07-03T20:43:38Z")
[Why are boxing scores kept secret during the match?](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1423/why-are-boxing-scores-kept-secret-during-the-match)
Interesting sidenote. It always puzzled me why a boxing ring should be so called. Duh, it’s square! Then I found out. Nothing at all to do with the shape of the arena. Ring originally referred to the ring of spectators who would gather round to watch the prize-fighters pummel each other into raw masses of quivering flesh.
Here’s OED:
> [@](#):
>
> ring, n.1
>
> 18 a. A space, originally defined by a circle of spectators, now within a roped square on a raised platform, for a boxing match, wrestling match, etc. Also more fully boxing ring (see boxing n.2), wrestling ring (see wrestling n. Compounds 1). Also with the: boxing as an institution or a profession; also collect.: those interested in boxing. See also prize ring n.
Sorry, little to do with the question, just thought I’d share it.
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### Author:  [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2015, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-scores/724163/2 "2015-07-03T22:11:20Z")
I’ve seen several times the explanation that before the modern age of boxing and actual rings with ropes and corners the spectators would form a ring around the boxers, or alternatively a circle would be drawn in the ground to mark where the fight was supposed to take place. I suppose you might draw that circle, but nothing would keep spectators from standing anywhere they wanted.