Introduction and purpose: Intense exercise in combat sports can impair athletes' antioxidant capacity, leading to a decline in performance due to increased free radical production. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of simulated boxing match and curcumin supplementation on baseline, post-match, and recovery levels of oxidative and antioxidative stress markers in professional boxers.

Materials and methods:

Based on inclusion criteria, 10 boxers with a mean age of 23.3 years, body mass index of 22.14 kg/m², and body fat percentage of 12.03% were selected using purposive and available sampling methods. Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein of all boxers in the seated position on eight occasions. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and H2O2 were measured using ELISA kits by calorimetric method. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare within-group changes (time series).



Results:

The concentration of superoxide dismutase enzyme was not statistically significant between time series A and B; A and D; G and H (P > 0.05). However, it was statistically significant between time series D and E (P < 0.05). Serum levels of catalase, malondialdehyde, and H2O2 were not statistically significant in any time series (P > 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusion:

The results showed that participating in simulated boxing matches, as well as the short-term and acute consumption of curcumin supplements, did not affect the serum levels of antioxidant and oxidative enzymes during rest, post-match, and post-match recovery in young amateur male boxers.