In "On Boxing," Joyce Carol Oates explores the metaphor of life as a boxing match. She portrays existence as a relentless fight, filled with attacks and unpredictable blows that mirror the struggles and challenges individuals face. This metaphor emphasizes the continual nature of life's battles, where certainty is elusive, and one must endure ongoing confrontations, much like a boxer in the ring.

Oates vividly describes the intense environment of this metaphorical boxing ring, likening it to a closed space where individuals are trapped, exposed to relentless scrutiny under harsh lights. The comparison highlights the discomfort and raw reality of living, suggesting that life, much like boxing, is marked by an unending series of struggles that demand resilience and fortitude from those who engage with it.