In ancient Greece, boxing was a popular competitive sport and was included in the first Olympic Games. In Greek mythology, the Cestus was the first leather boxing glove that had spikes and razor edges on the back and across the knuckles.

While the origins of boxing are unknown, there have been recent discoveries on the island of Crete that date back the history of boxing to 1500 BC. Homer, the Greek poet describes a two-person fight in the Iliad, as early as the epic poem's setting around 1800 BC. Records indicate the sport was part of the ancient Olympic Games of 688 BC. Plato mentions boxing in both The Republic and the dialogue Gorgias, and the poet Pindar elegized the Olympic boxing champion of 474 BC.

Along with running, wrestling, and the use of weapons, boxing was part of a young man's education in ancient Greece .The Romans also embraced boxing, turning the sport into a brutal gladiatorial spectacle. Boxers of this time covered their hands and arms with a leather thong called a CESTUS, sometimes studding it with metal spikes. The combatants often fought until one was fatally injured.