I can’t count the number of times that a person who does not box and knows little about the sport would tell me that there is no difference between a boxing bout and a fight. By fight they often refer to two (or more) men using their bare fists, legs, as well as head to physically confront and engage with another person often during an emotional state of anger. The persons may also employ other means to restrain (grabbing and holding, as examples) as they punch the body, most specifically the head. In lieu of the word fight, physical combat (a fight between unarmed military personnel) is sometimes used to describe a physical exchange between one or more individuals. But such behavior is commonly referred to as a fight.
However described, boxing is not the same nor is it equal to a fight, physical combat, or any other generic term used to refer to that type of behavior. Simply defined, boxing is the sport or practice of fighting with padded gloves in a roped square ring according to prescribed rules. Boxing is commonly referred to as fighting, but it is not similar to any other sport or non-sport fight. So is the same biological aspects about boxing and non-boxing situations.
Autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system which is responsible for controlling bodily functions which are not consciously directed. The system is comprised of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and some spinal nerves. Some cranial nerves connect the brainstem with organs and muscles of the head: nose, eyes, ears, and tongue.
Hybrid states of the nervous system
One hybrid state- Sports
The vagus nerve connects the body and the brain. It is the longest nerve and comprises sensory and motor fibers. It is also the vagus nerve which supports the friendly competition aspect of competitive sports, fight or flight, but with safety. It is the performance and social engagement circuit that keeps one within commonly observed rules of behavior to avoid seriously hurting others.
In the sport of boxing, the opponents can box to win, but agree before hand to follow rules and stay within the boundaries of the sport to keep one another physically safe. The referee and other personnel are there to ensure that these rules are followed and violations result in penalty points. Aggression and aggressive actions between boxers is permitted so long as it is exercised with restraint and is acceptable within the limits of a boxing bout. Extreme aggression can also result in penalty points.
Second hybrid state- Fight or Flight
The spinal sympathetic nerve chain is activated when survival is threatened (fight) or mobilization with fear survival response is (flight) is induced in a no rules situation. These situations are clearly non-friendly and potentially life threatening. For example, such is a setting where a fight is eminent between one or more individuals and their actions are beyond what is permissible in a sanctioned boxing bout.
Boxing is not the same nor is it equal to a fight,
physical combat, or any other commonly used term.
Guiderails exist. Guiderails are needed
Humans, as well as other animals, react to environmental and social cues and do not actively play a role in how they respond to this stimulus. How the nerve/brain circuitry responds are a result of past experiences and how we interpret other human actions or reactions, for example, body stance, emotions, eye focus and movements, tone of voice.
Boxers eventually master the skills of the sport but knowing that the engagement is one of trust within the First Hybrid state highlighted above. Now that is not to say that one or both opponents could not come to a bout with or experience emotions during a bout which activate the Second Hybrid state. In this situation the checks and balances by the referee and other boxing personnel should prevent the actions of the boxers from veering outside the guidelines of what is permissible in a boxing bout. But this requires a close reading of the opponent’s actions by these actors to prevent the bout from veering beyond the borders of a boxing match. Needless to say, this is more likely a situation for professionals than amateurs because of the significant role the entertainment factor plays within the professional boxing world.
There are no guardrails other than intervention by others which can prevent those persons who seek a fight from engaging in behavior which could present a danger to themselves or others. The only means to reign-in such behavior rests with the individuals themselves, observers, or an authority figure such as police personnel.
My experience
There is a lot on the line when two guys enter the ring. The first time there was a rush of adrenaline. It almost felt like I was struck by lightning. There was what I thought was fear, but in reality, was apprehension. And finally, although well prepared, there was the unknown. That which one has no control over.
The experience and all of the feelings associated with it was discussed multiple times in advance as one is learning the skills, training, and sparring. But despite this, nothing was like entering the ring for my first bout. Those feeling arose for me and I am sure for my opponent. After all we are human and there are actions which we have no control over.
Fast forward to today. Over time I have learned to welcome that inside the ropes world. I actually felt more comfortable and looked forward to entering it. I still have those same initial feelings, but they don’t control me as much as I bear witness to them. In the meditation perspective they are the bouncing thoughts which one is aware of, but is not guided by. I know my opponent has them too. For why else, on average, won’t he look me in the eyes or is his body language exhibiting pent-up feelings? Well if I am lucky I can tell he really wished me well in touching gloves than merely going through the motions.
I have stayed on the vagus nerve side of human experience during my bouts. In the event he needs to clinch to gain a breath or pause, I give it (as others have given it to me). But luckily I have incorporated my own guiderails which keep me from going to a place where we are no longer boxers. I always want to sense a welcome when I enter this life inside the ropes. The day I don’t is the day I won’t enter.
Reference: Stanley Rosenberg, Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve
The View from Inside and Outside the Ropes 
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