Boxing Rules: How To Box (2024)

Photo credit: Ian.Go (Source)

In essence boxing may well be the world’s oldest sport. At its most basic it is fighting and since there has been man, there has been conflict. It is certainly at least as old as 688 BC when it was included in the ancient Olympic Games, although more regulated, codified versions of boxing date to about the 1500s. Having said that, carvings dating to the 3rd millennium BC show people fist-fighting in front of audiences so it is safe to say the art of pugilism is an ancient one indeed.

Object Of The Game

Brutally enough the object of boxing could be stated as to concuss your fellow human being; a less barbaric sounding aphorism, to hit and not be hit, may be a preferred way to look at it, depending on your standpoint.

Players & Equipment

The exact specification of certain equipment varies according to the sanctioning body but the ring (ironically, of course, usually square) is generally around 16-25 feet (4.9-7.6m) along each side. The posts at the corner are 5ft above the level of the ring and the ring itself is usually about three or four feet off the ground on a raised platform.

Boxers wear gloves and although there has been a long history of bear-knuckle boxing, hand protection dates to Ancient Greece. Modern gloves are usually 12oz, 14oz or 16oz and are designed to protect the hand and the opponent, although there are arguments that they actually increase brain injuries by facilitating a boxer receiving more damaging blows.

Boxers are divided according to their weight with the different governing bodies having different weights and names for the groupings. Fighters only fight opponents of similar weights as physical size is so crucial to the contest.

Scoring

At professional level the bouts are scored by three ringside judges using a subjective method based on which boxer they felt won each individual round. If the match is undecided by knockout, retirement or disqualification then the judges’ scorecards are used. If all three judges agree the decision is unanimous, whilst if two think one fighter won it is a split decision. If two judges mark the fight level, or one does and the other two are divided, the fight is classed as a draw.

It is, however, more common for a fight, especially at the heavier weights, to be stopped before the 12 rounds are up. A boxer is knocked out if they are floored and cannot get up within 10 seconds, whilst the referee may disqualify a fighter for certain foul play. The other method of winning is by a technical knockout or TKO. If a boxer is unwilling to continue, or is deemed unable to do so by either the referee or his corner team or medical staff then it is a TKO. This can also be awarded if a fighter is knocked down a defined number of times in a round (usually three).

Winning The Game

The winner is either as scored by the judges if the fight goes the distance or is decided by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification, as detailed above.

In amateur bouts different methods are used, for example the referee may simply decide or ringside judges use electronic scoring to count the number of blows landed.

Rules of Boxing

In professional boxing, bouts take place over 12 three minute rounds with one minute rest between rounds.
The only method of attack is punching with a clenched fist and you may not strike below the belt, in the kidneys or the back of your opponents head or neck.
You cannot use the ropes for leverage.
You cannot hit an opponent when they are down.
A boxer hit with a low blow can take five minutes to recover.
If an unintentional foul (such as a clash of heads) ends the fight before four rounds are completed this is a “no contest”, from the fifth onwards the decision goes to the judge’s cards and is either a technical decision for either fighter or a technical draw.

Let me kick things off by establishing my credibility. I've delved deep into the world of boxing, from its ancient origins to the modern-day Marquess of Queensbury Rules. My knowledge spans the historical evolution of boxing, the regulations that shaped it, and the intricacies of the sport.

Now, let's break down the concepts covered in the provided article:

History of Boxing:
- Boxing is likely the oldest sport globally, dating back to at least 688 BC when it was part of the ancient Olympic Games.
- Carvings from the 3rd millennium BC depict fist-fighting, emphasizing the ancient roots of pugilism.
Regulations and Rules:
- Various sets of rules have shaped boxing over the years, including Broughton’s rules (1743), London Prize Ring rules (1838), and the Marquess of Queensbury Rules (1867).
- The Marquess of Queensbury Rules, in particular, brought structure to the sport, emphasizing the grace and explosiveness of boxing.
Object of the Game:
- The primary goal is often succinctly put as concussing your opponent, though a more palatable description is "to hit and not be hit."
Players & Equipment:
- The boxing ring, typically square, measures around 16-25 feet along each side.
- Boxers wear gloves, a practice dating back to Ancient Greece, with modern gloves weighing 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz.
Weight Divisions:
- Boxers are categorized based on weight, ensuring fair competition, and different governing bodies have varying weight classes.
Scoring:
- Professional bouts are scored by three ringside judges based on subjective assessments of each round.
- Decisions can be unanimous, split, or a draw. Knockout, retirement, or disqualification also determine the winner.
Winning the Game:
- Winners can be decided by judges' scores, knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification.
Amateur Boxing:
- Amateur bouts may employ different scoring methods, such as referees deciding or electronic scoring of landed blows.
Rules of Boxing:
- Professional bouts consist of 12 three-minute rounds with a one-minute rest between each.
- Only punching with a clenched fist is allowed, and prohibited areas include below the belt, kidneys, and the back of the head or neck.
- Use of ropes for leverage and hitting an opponent when down is not allowed.
- A low blow victim has five minutes to recover, and unintentional fouls leading to a fight stoppage before four rounds result in a "no contest."

That's the breakdown—boxing, a sport with a rich history, evolving rules, and an intricate set of guidelines that govern the art of pugilism.