Boxing, as an organized sport, has ancient roots and a long history of development:

Ancient origins
Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia: The first depictions of boxing as a sport date back to around 3000 BC and were found in Egypt and Mesopotamia. These images show scenes of wrestling and fighting between people using fists.

Ancient Greece: Boxing became an organized sport in Ancient Greece around 688 BC, when it was included in the Olympic Games. Back then, fighters used soft leather belts to protect their hands and wrists.