Technology is reshaping every major sport, from soccer to American football, tennis to motorsports. Fans of professional sports are no strangers to innovations like video assistant referee (VAR) in Premier League soccer or the Hawk-Eye system in Grand Slam tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon. Although opinions remain divided, it’s clear that the digital transformation of sports is here to stay.

Boxing, with its centuries-old tradition, is no exception. The sport, which boasts a rich history dating back to the ancient Olympic Games, pits two fighters against each other in a test of endurance, skill, and strength. While the essence of boxing has remained relatively unchanged, the sport is now embracing 21st-century technology.

As we enter a crucial time for boxing fans—with major bouts on the horizon and events you can attend in person or watch live on TV—there’s a growing conversation about how technology is shaping the future of the sport. Even popular sports apps are now offering betting markets and promotions, enabling fans to leverage their expertise to make informed wagers.

One of the most significant technological advancements in boxing is the rise of wearable technology. Once reserved for elite athletes, this tech is now accessible to everyone from professional fighters to fitness enthusiasts. Let’s explore the impact of wearable devices on the sport and how they’re revolutionizing training and performance.

The power of punch trackers

Punch trackers are among the most widely used wearables in boxing. They offer detailed insights into punch speed, power, and volume. These devices, often worn as wristbands or integrated into gloves, provide real-time feedback that helps fighters refine their techniques.

The Corner Boxing Tracker is a leading device in this category. These small sensors are attached to wrist wraps and measure punch speed, power, and type. The data is then transmitted to a smartphone app, allowing boxers and trainers to analyze performance in real time or review it later.

What makes the Corner Boxing Tracker particularly valuable is its ability to track long-term progress. By analyzing patterns over time, boxers can identify areas that need improvement—whether it’s a specific punch or a combination—and develop more effective strategies.

Another top performer in this space is the Hykso Punch Tracker, which also focuses on punch speed, volume, and intensity. Known for its accuracy, this device is favored by elite boxers. One standout feature of Hykso is its user-friendly app, which tracks progress over time and includes leaderboards that foster a sense of competition among users—pushing them to improve their stats.

The PIQ ROBOT Blue, developed in partnership with Everlast, takes it a step further by offering feedback on both punch type and overall boxing technique. This tracker detects jabs, hooks, and uppercuts, providing detailed feedback that helps boxers fine-tune their delivery for maximum efficiency. The PIQ ROBOT Blue also tracks movement, enabling fighters to improve their footwork and agility in the ring.

Heart rate monitoring: A cornerstone of conditioning

For boxers, heart rate monitors are essential tools, providing insights into cardiovascular performance and recovery. By understanding their heart rate zones, boxers can optimize their training sessions, boosting endurance and avoiding the dangers of overtraining.

The Polar H10 is one of the most reliable heart rate monitors available. It uses a chest strap to provide highly accurate data, making it ideal for the intense workouts boxers endure. Compatible with various fitness apps, the Polar H10 allows users to integrate heart rate data into their broader training analytics. A standout feature of this device is its ability to deliver continuous heart rate data, even during high-intensity training sessions, ensuring boxers stay within their target zones for optimal performance.

Another excellent option is the Garmin Forerunner 945. Although designed with runners in mind, its wrist-based heart rate monitor offers immense value to boxers, especially during sparring. The Forerunner 945 also delivers advanced training metrics, including VO2 max estimation, recovery time advice, and stress tracking. These features provide a comprehensive picture of a boxer’s overall conditioning, helping athletes know when to push themselves and when to rest.

Recovery and performance: The WHOOP Strap 4.0

Recovery is just as crucial to boxing as training, and the WHOOP Strap 4.0 excels in this area. Unlike traditional heart rate monitors, WHOOP focuses on recovery and performance. It tracks sleep, strain, and recovery, giving athletes a holistic view of how their bodies is responding to the rigors of training.

The WHOOP device generates a unique recovery score, which indicates a boxer’s readiness for training. By analyzing heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep quality, WHOOP provides personalized recommendations on when to push and when to pull back. This data-driven approach helps fighters avoid overtraining and reduces their risk of injury.

In an era where technology is omnipresent, boxing’s adoption of wearable tech represents the sport’s evolution without sacrificing its core principles. These innovations allow fighters to push themselves harder while safeguarding their health and maximizing performance. Whether it’s tracking punch speed or monitoring recovery, wearable tech is now an indispensable part of the modern boxer’s toolkit.