Boxing is governed by a strict set of rules and regulations to ensure fairness, safety, and the integrity of the sport. Here’s an overview of the fundamental rules that dictate how a boxing match is conducted:
1. Match Structure
- Rounds: A boxing match typically consists of a predetermined number of three-minute rounds, which can range from 9 to 12 rounds.
- Rest Periods: Fighters receive one minute of rest between rounds, during which they receive guidance and attention from their coaches and support staff.
2. Officials
- Referee: A referee is present in the ring to oversee the match, enforce the rules, judge the conduct of the fighters, count knocked-down boxers, and call fouls.
- Judges: Up to three judges score the bout from ringside, assigning points based on effective punches, defensive maneuvers, knockdowns, and other subjective criteria. Due to the subjective nature of scoring, controversial results can occur.
3. Fighter Corners
Each boxer has a designated corner in the ring, where their coach and seconds provide support and advice before and after each round. Fighters must return to their corners at the end of each round.
4. Determining the Winner
- Going the Distance: If the match lasts the full number of rounds, the winner is determined by the judges’ scorecards. Possible outcomes include unanimous decision, split decision, or a draw.
- Knockouts (KO): A fighter can win before the judges’ decision if they knock out their opponent, which is counted when the opponent touches the canvas with any part of their body other than their feet due to a legal punch.
- Technical Knockouts (TKO): A fight may also end in a TKO if the referee, fight doctor, or the boxer’s corner determines that a fighter cannot safely continue, often due to injury or an inability to defend themselves.
5. Fouls and Violations
- Prohibited Actions: Boxers are not allowed to hit below the belt, hold, trip, push, bite, or spit. Other prohibited actions include kicking, head-butting, and hitting with any part of the arm other than the knuckles of a closed fist.
- Rabbit Punches: Hitting the back of the head or neck, known as “rabbit punches,” is also illegal.
- Clinching: If a clinch occurs, both fighters must take a full step back before resuming punches, or the referee may direct them to “punch out” of the clinch.
6. Count Procedures
- When a boxer is knocked down, the opposing fighter must immediately cease fighting and move to the farthest neutral corner until the referee has determined the status of the downed fighter.
- The referee begins a count and may rule a knockout if the count reaches ten, resulting in a win by KO.
7. Fouls and Penalties
Referees have the authority to rule on fouls, issuing warnings, deducting points, or disqualifying a boxer for serious or intentional infractions. An intentional foul that results in injury usually leads to disqualification. If a fighter suffers an accidental low blow, they may take up to five minutes to recover, after which they may be ruled knocked out if they cannot continue.
8. Decisions and Controversies
In cases of accidental fouls that end a bout, the fight may result in a “no contest” or go to decision if enough rounds have passed. Historically, “newspaper decisions” were sometimes declared in bouts that ended without an official decision, though this practice has largely fallen out of favor.