Boxing Regulations: Everything You Need to Know

Although it seems like a very simple sport, there are actually a lot of different boxing regulations. We'll show you some rules and what to keep in mind.

Boxing regulations seem simple, but they can be kind of confusing. In this article, we’ll talk about tournaments, the ring, weights, and more. Let’s not forget that it’s a sport with lots of history where everything is very organized.

First of all, boxing that’s common in the West is usually English or Irish. This sport is different from other boxing disciplines by not using the lower extremities. It’s a discipline that, despite seeming simple, has rules that lots of people don’t know.

What isn’t allowed

There’s a clear concept of what isn’t allowed. Boxing regulations include prohibited moves and punishable practices. For example, you can’t hit behind the head or neck. Of course, you can’t kick or use your knees.

Additionally, you can’t bite or step on your opponent, and hitting in the private parts is also totally prohibited. Grabbing or holding the opponent is also not allowed, and the referee usually watches closely for this.

Here are other illegal moves, at both amateur and professional levels:

• Turn your back on your opponent or avoid combat.
• Trip, throw, or grab the opponent.
• Hit the opponent’s thighs and legs.
• Hit with any other body part besides fists.
• Use open hand blows or poke their eyes.
• Bounce and jump shots are allowed as long as there’s no impact with another body part.
• Use objects besides regulatory gloves.
• Bend down below the beltline.

Boxing regulations: weights and weighings

Weight categories are essential in competitions Each boxer’s category will be between the maximum of the lower category and the maximum of the following. In fact, the rules divide the categories based on weight.

There are a total of 17 categories, and fighters of similar weight will face each other. For the light flyweight category, there’s no lower limit, and in the heavyweight, there’s no maximum weight.

You must weigh the fighters of a category 14 to 12 hours before the match; all fighters must be at the proper weight.

Then, if one of the boxers isn’t at the correct weight, his opponent may refuse to hold the match. Usually, the contracts for each fight have stipulations on these issues. In these cases, athletes that don’t fight due to weight problems can make certain financial claims.

Rounds and winning

Regulated by Team USA Boxing, each round lasts three minutes for men’s boxing. Between each round, the athletes have a one-minute break in their corner. In fact, breaks help take care of the athletes’ health and also strategize.

For female boxers, each round only lasts two minutes. The number of rounds for each professional fight will depend on each series in the tournaments. The maximum amount allowed is twelve, and the minimum is usually four. In amateur competitions, the maximum allowed is four rounds.

When the boxers reach the last round, it comes down to a technical decision. In this sense, the judges rate each person’s technique and give them scores. The one with the highest score wins.

Takedowns and knockouts in boxing regulations

In boxing, one fighter can knock the other down, and this is usually the goal. Legal takedowns are triggered by legal hits, which are generally high impact. The fallen contestant is entitled to a protection count where they can’t be hit.

If the referee counts down ten seconds and the fallen boxer stands up, the fight must continue. Conversely, if he counts to ten before the fighter can stand up, he’ll lose the match. This is the famous knockout, which consists of knocking them out of action.

An opponent who stays on the ground or shows traits of unconsciousness on impact is defeated by a knockout. If he can stand but can’t respond to attacks, they declare the KO to be technical. Turning your back on the contestant or giving up the fight are also sufficient reasons for the referee to stop the fight.

In conclusion, boxing regulations are broad and have lots of specific rules. Also, there are other issues related to clothing, the size of the ring, and the equipment. Everything is arranged to have a clean fight and protect the athletes.