In boxing, the white towel is thrown into the ring as a symbol of defeat or surrender. The tradition dates back to ancient Greece, where a white flag would be raised to signal an agreed-upon cessation of hostilities. In boxing, the white towel indicates that a fighter's corner has decided to concede the match on behalf of their fighter, either due to injury or an insurmountable lead by the opposing boxer. The throwing in of the towel is a safety measure designed to protect the health and well-being of the losing boxer, as well as to bring the match to a close in a relatively peaceful manner.