Inspired by a cult comic book, bouts last 11 rounds, six of chess (four minutes each) and five of boxing (two minutes). Wins come by checkmate, knockout, points decision or missing the time limit in a chess round, with the idea being to train individuals who can think and fight in equal measure.
The sport's creator, conceptual artist Iepe Rubingh, told ESPN.com: "The future chessboxer will be a grandmaster and a professional boxer. Chessboxing could even solve the problem in the Middle East. I want to hold a chessboxing match between an Israeli and a Palestinian, and the winner will get to decide what happens to Israel."