Why are boxers considered athletes if all they do is punch each other?

i completely disagree. i've been a long time competitive athlete, playing hockey all my life. just recently i decided to try boxing, and it is MUCH harder than it looks. the training is ridiculously intense, and although punching each other may seem easy, a lot more goes into it than just throwing punches. there's he technique for multiple types of punches that you need to master, as well as learning how to block punches. your feet have to be quick, you have to be focused, and you can't afford to get tired. landing punches against an opponent who knows how to block is really tough, and blocking punches from an opponent who knows how to punch is just as tough. boxers don't get the credit they deserved