Whether it's the bout of the century or a birthday for the champ in your life, a boxing theme party can be a real knock-out!

Two to three weeks before the party

• Make invitations to look like ring side tickets or boxing posters.
• Ask guests to dress for a boxing match - they can wear boxers over their clothes, a robe, sweats, dress like a referee or VIP with ringside seats.
• Rent a big screen TV and boxing videos to play in the background.

A few hours before the party

• Rope off an area like a ring (maybe the food table) with streamers or rope stands (such as ones they would have at a bank).
• Make mini posters with color copies of famous boxers to hang around the party area.
• Fill metal buckets with ice and drinks. You can even fill water bottles with party drinks.
• Hang balloons upside down from a string to look like punching bags.

The party begins, welcome guests

• Roll out a red carpet at your entry way.
• Ring a bell "between rounds" such as when you are going to serve cake or open the presents.

Play games and activities

• Have a boxing trivia game. Prizes can be silly items like ace bandages and liniment.
• Have a rope jumping contest.

Share refreshments and cake

• Serve a long "hero" submarine sandwiche for appetizers or part of a buffet.
• Frost a double layer cake with yellow frosting and loop a thick ribbon at the top to look like a medal. Write " Happy Birthday Champ" or something similar on it.
• Make the cake look like a boxing ring by putting pretzel rods at each corner and string licorice laces around them.
• Add healthy snacks such protein bars on the food table or around the room.

The party ends, say good-byes

• Fill water bottles with assorted candy and give them to guests as they leave the party.
• Award each guest a medal as they go.