Rules of Boxing

The Association of Boxing Commissions publishes the Unified Rules of Boxing, but the rules of a match can vary depending on whether said match is amateur or professional, and can also change according to location. All professional boxing organizations within the United States and Canada adhere to the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, as do many amateur boxing groups.

Basics and referees

The unified rules of boxing dictate that each round is three minutes long, with a one-minute period of rest between rounds. The referee is the only person who may stop a bout, or fight, during any round; he or she is also the only individual with the authority to settle any disputes that may arise. Further, all boxers are required to wear a mouthpiece at all times. A round cannot begin without mouthpieces in place, referees are required to call a time-out when a mouthpiece is dislodged, and points are deducted if a referee feels that a mouthpiece has been intentionally spit out by a fighter. Under no circumstances will the bell, or end of round, save a boxer from being declared knocked down. Also, when a boxer suffers an injury serious enough to end a bout, resulting from a fair blow, that fighter will lose by declaration of a TKO, or technical knockout.

Required counts

The Mandatory Eight Count is part of standard procedure as well. The referee must count to eight before a bout may continue after a fighter has been knocked down. In these rules, there is no standing eight count; when a fighter remains upright solely because he or she is leaning on the ropes, the fight continues until the fighter is knocked down or the referee calls time. There is also no three knockdown rule; in some previous and amateur versions of boxing rules, a fighter who was knocked down three times in one round is considered knocked out. When a boxer is knocked out of the ring, he or she is given a 20-second count, during which the fighter is not permitted assistance from any other person; if the fighter is able to recover without help, the round may continue without disqualification or loss of points.

Judges and scoring

There is a panel of three judges for every bout. The 10 Point Must System is the standard method of scoring. The judges must award 10 points to one fighter, giving the other nine points; while it is possible for a fight to end in a stalemate where both opponents have earned 10 points, this outcome is highly discouraged.

Female boxing guidelines

There are extra rules for bouts featuring female fighters. No such bout may run longer than 10 three-minute rounds. The boxers may not wear makeup and must only use soft, non-abrasive hair accessories to keep their hair tied back. In addition to mouthpieces, females must wear properly fitted breast and groin protector plates. These fighters are also required to provide a pregnancy test with a negative result before each bout may commence.

This article has gone over the basic rules and regulations of the Unified Rules of Boxing, including specifics that have been added for female boxers. There are also many additional rules regarding weight classes, as well as injuries sustained by intentional and accidental fouls.