Boxing Urns

KO and Knock Out Never Happened

With evidence that a form of boxing began in pre-historic Africa, and came of age by 800 B.C., in countries such as Sumerian, Greece, Egypt, and Babylon, it is truly one of the world's oldest sports. So it only makes sense that boxing cremation urns would be one of the world’s oldest memorial traditions. For as long as mankind has been passionate about the internationally acclaimed sport of boxing, fans of this great game have been seeking ways to be a part of it even in the hereafter. Boxing urns make that possible.

Greek mythology states that Petroclus, the half-god grandson of Zeus, introduced boxing, as well as boxing urns, to mortals in the tales of yesteryear when, as legend has it, he ordered his remains placed in a golden boxing cremation urn. The truth is however that boxers throughout the ancient world to have their remains placed in boxing urns. Usually black clay pots, with golden designs, these boxing urns often featured ornate athletes, who embodied athletic ideals of strength, bravery, and commitment. Many times in these early boxing urns, the brother of the fallen boxer was depicted standing off to the side, honoring his sacrifice, and saying goodbye.

Since the Rocky movies of the 1970s and 80s, boxing urns have begun to make a comeback among fans of the sport in America. However they are still rarer than urns of other sports, and often must be specially made. This, for many though only adds to their value.

One of the most common designs for boxing urns today is a figurine of a boxer putting his fists in the air, as he stands on a wooden box. This reminds loved ones that in life, the departed would not stay down, no matter how many punches life threw his way. It also reminds them of all of the heart, enthusiasm, determination, and passion he had for life.

Others, perhaps half as a play on words, and halfway to show the departed's animal instinct when he stepped into the ring will actually place a figurine of a boxer dog on top of the ash box. This also allows the family to have a little levity, when they remember the departed, and can show his “down-to-earthiness” as well.

Those who prefer a more classical design often choose boxer urns made of either pewter or brass, and then have the image of a boxer, perhaps throwing a swing, etched into it, along with a few words about what boxing meant to the departed. These boxing urns offer a quality combination of style and substance.

Similar, but more elaborate boxing urns are also available in ceramic and porcelain. These boxing urns are rounded and show all of the stages of a fight, between two ancient looking boxers, from beginning to end, and the victorious boxer accepting the trophy that is rightfully his. In a way, these boxing urns are trophies to the departed, in honor of their lives well lived.

For some, the best things in life are also the simplest. If the departed was a boxer, one of the most fitting boxing cremation urns for him might just be a wooden urn with a picture of him boxing. This will allow future generations to see one of his moments of greatest glory as he prepared to deliver the knockout punch.

Boxer, Freddie Mills had what could be called a kind of boxing cremation urn. Although the outside was standard issue, on the inside, along with his ashes was a boxing glove. This kind of thing could also catch on among boxing enthusiasts, especially players, as could his headstone, which is in the shape of a glove.

Boxing urns have even spawned a new kind of poetry, which may be of benefit to those who have trouble finding the right words to sum up a loved one's life on theirs.

“The welcome will ring loud,” says one such poem, “the great crowd will feel proud. Seeing (insert departed's name) coming home in the urn.”

Poems such as this one say that if heaven exists, the departed hopes that there will be a boxing ring for him to compete in as the angels watch.

Boxing teaches many values, such as strength of character, persistence, physical fitness, and the importance of confidence. For those who have loved ones that have either partaken in the sport, or were lifelong fans, boxing urns are a fitting tribute that is sure to capture all of their best qualities.