Metabolic and physiological demands of 3x3-min-round boxing fights in highly trained amateur boxers

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy requirements of the aerobic oxidative, anaerobic lactic (glycolytic), or an-aerobic alactic systems in highly trained amateur boxers during a 3x3-min-round boxing fight.METHODS: On three separate occasions, 10 highly trained male amateur boxers undertook a progressive treadmill run, a progressive bag -punching exercise, and a full-contact competitive boxing fight of the 3x3-min format. Expired gas and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout all exercise tasks, with the exception of a gas analysis during the competitive fight. Total energy expenditure and the contribution of the three major energy-supply systems were calculated based on oxygen uptake (V?O2) and HR during exercise, blood lactate accumulation, and excess V?O2 during the fast phase of the recovery.RESULTS: The blood lactate concentration was >15 (range: 12-18) mmol center dot L-1 after the fight. The HR reached >93% of the maximal (HRmax) in rounds 1 and 2 and >97% in the final round and was strongly correlated with HRmax (r=0.885). The average calculated O2 uptake during the box-ing fight was 89% of V? O2max, whereas O2 uptake equivalent calculated from the involvement of all three major energy supply systems was 122% of V? O2max. The calculated energy provision during the fight was 73% aerobic, 19% anaerobic alactic and 8% anaerobic glycolytic.CONCLUSIONS: In highly trained male amateur boxers, 3x3-min boxing match elicits very high HR and blood lactate levels with predominant involvement of aerobic and substantial contribution of anaerobic alactic energy systems.(Cite this article as: Bruzas V, Venckunas T, Kamandulis S, Snieckus A, Mockus P, Stasiulis A. Metabolic and physiological demands of 3x3-min -round boxing fights in highly trained amateur boxers. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023;63:623-9. DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.22.13661-3)