The Difference in Rules of Mens and Womens Boxing (2024)

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The Difference in Rules of Mens and Womens Boxing

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The Difference in Rules of Mens and Womens Boxing (1)
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    • Jun 4, 2020
    • 6 min read

Updated: May 2, 2021

Ever wondered how men's and women's boxing rules differ? Ever questioned why women's boxing matches seem shorter? Or maybe you're curious as to whether women wear groin guards? Find out the answer to these questions and more below.

View the Unorthodoxx womens clothing range

Take me to:

  • The difference in rounds

  • The difference in weight classes

  • The difference in protective equipment

  • The difference in training

Different rules for womens boxing

In the boxing ring, female boxers have to adhere to different rules than male boxers. One of those being that women must not wear makeup or any cosmetics as this can inflict damage to their face including their eyes and any cosmetics can provide a temporary loss of feeling in their face making any punches cause more damage than they are feeling at the time. Another rule for women is that their hair must be secured with soft, non-abrasive materials to prevent it from getting in the way while they are boxing. Another, important rule for female boxers is that they must declare they are not pregnant before entering into a bout.

Going the distance

In different competitions, there are changes in the number of rounds for both men and women in boxing. Male professional fights commonly last anywhere from 4-12 rounds while female professional fights are held for a maximum of 10 rounds. The difference the round time different means for mens boxing there are up to 12 rounds lasting 3 minutes which equates to 36 minutes. Whereas in women's boxing there are 10 rounds lasting 2 minutes which equals to 20 minutes in a full boxing match. The reason for the differences in number of rounds and round times as said by major world boxing associations such as the WBC is based on; “physiological, psychological and physical differences between women and men.” Other reports have said that the differences in terms of rounds are to accommodate certain skill levels and experience for women in the sport compared to men.

Terri Harper in the 'Harper Elite' (£72+PP)

Weight Classes

The weight classes used are the same as the men's competition. Although in many major events there are less weight classes allocated to women because there are not enough spaces or competitors for specific weight classes. Currently, in Olympic boxing, women’s boxing is restricted to three weight classes; flyweight, 106 to 112 pounds (48 to 51 kg), lightweight, 123 to 132 pounds (56 to 60 kg), and middleweight, 152 to 165 pounds (69 to 75 kg).

In amateur boxing, the weight classes are; flyweight, no more than 106 pounds (48 kg), bantamweight, 112 pounds (51 kg), featherweight, 119 pounds (54 kg), lightweight, 126 pounds (57 kg), light welterweight, 132 pounds (60 kg), welterweight, 141 pounds (64 kg), middleweight, 152 pounds (69 kg), light heavyweight, 165 pounds (75 kg), heavyweight, 179 pounds (81 kg), super heavyweight, any weight over 179 pounds (81 kg). In professional women's boxing there is no full universal agreement regarding weight classes.

Weight classes are essential for any combat sport to create a fair match between people of the same size, strength and similar capabilities in terms of reach and presence in their stance. The Unorthodoxx team is committed to providing equipment to accommodate different weight classes and sizes with our exceptional range of boxing equipment which can be tailored to your needs. Take a look at our range of products to help you adapt to your boxing needs here.

Boxing Protective Gear

Protective boxing gear is essential for all levels to protect health and wellbeing. It is also understandable that there are gender-specific alterations to accommodate the needs and safety of both groups.

But first, let us start with the similarities. Both men and female boxers must wear a mouthpiece, also referred to as a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a vital piece of protective equipment that helps to absorb some of the power from an opponent's punches. Forgetting your mouthguard could leave you with a heft dentist bill. If you are new to boxing, we would recommend this is one of your first purchases!

The Difference in Rules of Mens and Womens Boxing (7)

Headguards! Depending on the age, experience and gender may depend on if a boxer wears a headguard or not. As it currently stands, amateur women boxers must wear a head guard regardless of whether they box as a novice, open class, or at the Olympics. Men on the other hand must wear a head guard until they become a senior boxer to lose the headguard. Both male and female boxers below senior level continue to wear head guards in amateur boxing bouts. A senior boxer is someone who is 19 or above, or who turns 19 before the end of the calendar year.

While men wear groin protectors for boxing matches women boxers wear pelvic guards. A pelvic guard is similar to a groin guard but provides greater protection to the abdomen area and pelvic area. Why is this important? Find out in our blog '3 reasons why women boxers should wear a pelvic guard?' Depending on the governing body women may also have to wear breast protectors.

Unorthodoxx Pelvic Guard (£89+PP)

The pelvic guard is an essential piece of protective gear for women. Despite some questioning, the importance of a pelvic guard as boxers are not allowed to punch below the others belt, the potential damage poses too high of a risk to be ignored. Unorthodoxx has worked tirelessly with our UX Squad, which includes professional and amateur boxers, to create a pelvic guard that offers protection, comfort and style. You can check out the pelvic guard on our website here.

The boxing gloves worn by men and women are the same in professional boxing and at amateur levels. Both men and women weighing at or under 147 pound use 8oz gloves as well as fighters over 147 pounds using 10oz gloves. It is important to tailor the gloves to the individual especially in competition to cater for their power output.

There are also different types of boxing gloves depending on the training or competitions being participated in. The four types of gloves are; bag gloves which are to be used on a punching bag and training equipment, sparring gloves are to be used in practice bouts and come in a range of different sizes but should not be used competitively. Competition gloves are used in competitive boxing as well as lace up gloves used mainly at elite level.

We at Unorthodoxx pride ourselves in providing a great range of boxing gloves tailored to different weights, performance levels and comfort. Shop our great range of boxing gloves, pelvic guards, headguards and hand wraps.

Types of Boxing Training

Men and women share training types and it is important to find the right one for you. Types of training include amateur boxing, boxfit, boxercise and kickboxing. Training is essential for boxing as it prepares you for the intensity of the combat and helps you ‘go the distance’. The popularity of each training type, as well as competitions, varies among men and women in boxing. Research has shown that women favour the fitness aspect of boxing, while many do compete, some prefer to take part in Boxfit and Boxercise classes. On the other hand, men tend to train in more intense forms of the sport including boxing and kickboxing both for fitness and to compete. It is important to comment that these trends are changing as boxing and its various forms become more inclusive.

Summary

There are always going to be variations of rules, regulations and equipment at different levels and potentially for different genders. These things are put in place to protect the safety and wellbeing in a very heated and sometimes competitive sport. However, many women are partitioning for equality of boxing rounds, times and rules. The decision will ultimately be left to the sanctioning bodies and national governing bodies.

We hope that you enjoyed this blog on the differences of mens and womens boxing. We at Unorthodoxx aim to provide the best knowledge and guidance to getting involved in the beautiful sport of boxing.

If you would like to hear more stories inside the world of womens boxing and keep up with the latest trends, insights and equipment, make sure to follow us on all of our socials below and get involved with the Unorthodoxx team.

About Unorthodoxx and our womens boxing gloves

Unorthodoxx is the UK’s first Women’s Boxing brand that has been created purely for women and has exclusively designed women’s boxing gloves and women’s boxing clothing. Our products and equipment are designed to offer the ultimate fit, protection and durability for female boxers and combat sports fighters. From novice beginners to elite competition Unorthodoxx fight gear offers the best women’s boxing gloves, clothing and equipment.

If you would like to join us on our journey, engage with our growing community and be a part of the Unorthodoxx story follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

#womensboxing #womenwhobox #womensboxinggloves #boxinggloves #unorthodoxx

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The Difference in Rules of Mens and Womens Boxing (2024)

FAQs

Are women's boxing rules different? ›

1) All bouts shall be scheduled for no more than then (10) rounds with each round lasting two (2) minutes. One (1) minute between rounds. 2) Female boxers shall use NO facial cosmetics and have their hair secured with soft and non-abrasive materials. 3) The weight classes shall be the same as use by male boxers.

Can female boxers punch in the chest? ›

Women can wear protective chest plates – although it is an unwritten rule that female fighters don't punch in the chest.

Do female boxers wear cups? ›

Boxers Not Wearing a Cup Are at Risk

It is not legal for a fighter to intentionally hit an opponent below the belt, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. To prevent injury, most clubs will require all boxers, male and female, to wear a groin protector.

Do female boxers have to wear skirts? ›

According to the BBC, the Amateur International Boxing Association is advising women boxers to wear skirts.

Do female boxers have periods? ›

However, with a larger breed such as the Boxer, symptoms and care are much different. The heat cycle is the phase that female canines enter when their bodies are ready to reproduce. Menstruation will occur (a discharge of blood due to the lining of the uterus shredding off).

Are women's boxing weights the same as men's? ›

Size and Weight

Both categories use the same sizing convention — that is, they're sized in ounces, usually between 4 and 20 ounces. The most basic boxing glove sizes, whether for men or women, range from 10 to 12 ounces across the board.

Can boxers have breast implants? ›

Generally speaking, unless there are other underlying health issues not mentioned here, being a boxer should not impede you from getting breast implants.

Why do boxers shave their chests? ›

Wrestlers and Boxers:

Hair can cause chaffing and irritation upon impact which can easily be avoided if you shave.

What boxing does to a woman's body? ›

Boxing is a fantastic way to improve functional strength for women. The different techniques used in training help to build muscular endurance and longevity, and these increase strength and physical ability that carries through to everyday life outside of the gym.

What are female boxers called? ›

NameNationalityDivision
Laila AliUSASuper Middleweight
Sumya AnaniUSAWelterweight
Theresa ArnoldUSASuper Bantamweight
Alicia AshleyJamaicaSuper Bantamweight
9 more rows

Why do female boxers wear head guards? ›

Athletes in women's boxing still wear headgear in large part due to studies showing that women are far more susceptible to concussions as a result of combat sport head trauma than men. This includes women developing concussions more often and dealing with longer-lasting effects from a concussion.

Can 2 female boxers living together? ›

To make matters worse, Dr Becker says females are more likely than males to fight to the death. But many owners have multiple female Boxers and they happily cohabitate.

Do female Boxers protect their breasts? ›

Boxing. So I guess this is obvious and even if it's just non-competitive sparring you are in to, a hit to the breast can happen at any time. Breast protection is permitted by AIBA and most national boxing associations. For some amateur competition, breast protection is compulsory.

Why do female Boxers wear cornrows? ›

As boxer and fitness trainer Holly Lawson points out, those braids can denote luck, strength, and more. "A lot of fighters are superstitious, so a lot of us have a certain way we wear our hair when we have it done for the fight," she explains.

Do Boxers need to shave? ›

There is a rule that states that Boxers must be clean-shaved before any medical examinations are carried out on any bout in the Amateurs. It's a clear rule that states that beards and moustaches are not allowed. If a boxer violates this rule, then they can't enter the tournament.

Can you wear period pads with boxers? ›

Boxers can be worn with or without an absorbent pad, making them useful all month, not just for a few days. Use a medium pad for days when you think you might be due on, and need a little security, or can be worn with a cup, for back up incase of leaks.

How long do boxers bleed for? ›

The first signs your dog is in heat are the swelling of her vulva and bright red bloody discharge. This stage is called proestrus. "There will be lots of licking," Nielsen says. A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days.

How long are boxers pregnant for? ›

It will only take 9 weeks (63 days, on average) for your Boxer to go from conceiving to having her puppies; it is vital to give her special care as soon as you know she is expecting. The signs of Boxer pregnancy are not glaringly obvious immediately.

Has a woman ever fought a man in boxing? ›

Women's Boxing - Historical First fight between a male boxer and female boxer - October 9, 1999. This was the first exhibition mixed match between professional boxers, Margaret MacGregor, from Bremerton, Washington, and Loi Chow, from British Columbia, Canada that took place in the State of Washington.

Are male boxers more affectionate than females? ›

Male Vs. Female Boxer Traits

Some say males are more cuddly and affectionate whereas females are more independent and temperamental. But this is far from an exact science. There are conflicting accounts of which gender is more laidback, which is more stubborn, which is easier to train.

What do female boxers weigh? ›

Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful.

Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds (30 to 36 kilograms); females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds (22 to 30 kilograms).

How many nipples should a Boxer have? ›

Yes, both male and female dogs have nipples. These small bumps extend from their groin area up their stomachs, and the number of nipples can vary. Dogs tend to have between 8 and 10 nipples, but some have more, while others have fewer nipples.

How old does a Boxer have to be to be spayed? ›

An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age.

Do boxers get free healthcare? ›

The UFC does not provide health insurance to fighters. Although this sounds sinister, the reality is that virtually no company offers coverage to independent contractors; athletes are normally covered by unions, not leagues. Instead, the promotion often pays the medical bills of contestants injured during a bout.

Why do boxers wrap between fingers? ›

Your hand wraps are there to secure all your moveable bones and loose joints. The hand wrap fastens all your joints together, so the shock is better distributed across your entire hand. You don't want your joints to be moving independently and freely when your hand strikes your opponent or the heavy bag.

Why do boxers tuck their chin? ›

You need to keep your chin down. Keeping your chin down protects your nose. If you get hit, you want to minimize the amount of damage you take on. By keeping your chin down, your nose will be further protected as the bridge of your nose will be vertical to the ground.

Why do boxers put something in their mouth? ›

If you see the boxers closely, you will see something in their mouths during the match. That is called as a mouthguard. So, a mouthguard is something that is used to protect the mouth during the game. Commonly, it is used during boxing sport and the like.

Is boxing good for belly fat? ›

Helps Burn Belly Fat

While boxing is a serious calorie burner, it is also very efficient in burning fat. The high-intensity nature of a boxing workout means it is very good at burning visceral fat, or the fat commonly found around the waist.

What organs do boxers aim? ›

Blunt force to the liver can be excruciatingly painful, and an especially effective shot will incapacitate a person instantly. Thus, in combat sports, liver shots often result in technical knockouts (TKOs).

Who is the best female boxer of all time? ›

10 of the greatest women's boxers ever!
  • Claressa Shields. We start off strong with a fighter who's already considered to be the best women's boxer of all time, despite actively competing today. ...
  • Katie Taylor. ...
  • Amanda Serrano. ...
  • Lucia Rijker. ...
  • Ann Wolfe. ...
  • Laila Ali. ...
  • Holly Holm. ...
  • Christy Martin.
Nov 8, 2022

What are boxers hugs called? ›

Why Do Boxers Hug In The Ring? Let's get one thing straight: It's not called hugging. Instead, it's known as clinching. First things first, to get into a clinch you have to put your arms over your opponent's, then rest your forehead on their shoulder.

What are the 4 types of boxers? ›

Primary styles. There are four generally accepted boxing styles that are used to define fighters. These are the swarmer, out-boxer, slugger, and boxer-puncher. Many boxers do not always fit into these categories, and it's not uncommon for a fighter to change their style over a period of time.

Are women's boxers comfortable? ›

GIRLS WEAR BOXERS BECAUSE THEY'RE LOOSE AND COMFORTABLE.

Boxers fit women as a pair of athletic shorts would, so there's plenty of roominess for ultimate comfort. For women who can't stand tight or form-fitting underwear, this makes boxers a no-brainer.

Why do boxers stare each other down? ›

He's come to believe that “you get to learn a lot about people just by looking in their eyes.” A quality staredown, Griffin says, involves “two fighters that have trained hard, are hungry, and want what the other person has.” The staredown is an opportunity “to look into this guy's soul and see who it is I'm fighting.”

Why are boxers always hugging? ›

So, if you're new to the game, you might be wondering why do boxers hug in the match? The hug in boxing is called a clinch. It's a strategic move where you trap your opponent's arms under yours, stopping the action and causing a break.

Why do men not wear head protection in boxing? ›

It was hypothesized that head guards, by increasing the diameter and surface area of the head, led to increased rotational force and subsequent stoppages. Furthermore, head guards were considered to increase the risk of blows to the head because the padding around the eyes limited the boxer's vision.

What happens if two Boxers knock each other out? ›

(8) If both boxers score simultaneous knockdowns (double knock- down), the referee shall begin a count as in any knockdown. If one contestant does not rise before the count of ten, his opponent shall be declared the winner.

How many babies can Boxers have? ›

The world record is fifteen boxer puppies born at one time. The average size litter for boxer dogs is five to seven puppies.

Are Boxers clingy? ›

Are Boxers Clingy? Boxers will lavish you with affection but they are also strong willed, independent dogs that don't ordinarily become clingy. Good breeding will assure your puppy comes with a steady, balanced Boxer temperament that embodies all the best aspects of the breed.

Do girls wear groin guards? ›

In other high contact impact sports such as hockey, and high-risk sports such as cricket, it is common for women to wear pelvic guards. These sports have long welcomed women into their sports and have taken measures to protect those participating. It is time it became commonplace in boxing too!

How do boxers show affection? ›

Boxers are called Boxers because they will try to show you affection by pawing at you. They will stand on their back legs and paw at you with their paws trying to play with you and get your attention.

How often does a female Boxer go into heat? ›

You can expect your Boxer to go into heat about twice a year or so, maybe a little less often. This is only a rough guide. Each dog is different. After two or three heat cycles you should have a good idea of your girl's individual pattern.

Why do boxers have big necks? ›

Having a strong neck is vital for boxers as it can lessen whiplash and keep them from falling for a long period. The 'neck bridge' is quite a tedious task and there is always a risk of an injury while attempting it. However, Tyson perfected it and this exercise played a role in him being so dominant in his prime.

What are Boxer braids actually called? ›

"Boxer braids" are also cornrows.

Do female fighters have to braid their hair? ›

Hair-pulling is illegal, but in the heat of battle anything can happen (remember Tyson vs. Holyfield? Ear biting is technically illegal in boxing). So many in the women's division of the UFC opt for braids.

Do boxers need baths? ›

Boxers have a short, tight fitting coat, so they do not require much grooming. Your boxer will need a full bath every few months with a mild dog shampoo. Bathing more frequently can cause dry skin and itching.

Do beards soften punches? ›

Facial hair may offer men more than just a stylistic choice, according to a new study, which suggests beards evolved to soften the impact of a punch and protect the jaw from harm.

Do boxers need their nails cut? ›

The nails on a Boxer need to be trimmed or filed about every 5- 6 weeks. Most professional groomers will not charge a lot for this, especially if you will be bringing them your business every 6 weeks or so.

Do female boxers protect their breasts? ›

Boxing. So I guess this is obvious and even if it's just non-competitive sparring you are in to, a hit to the breast can happen at any time. Breast protection is permitted by AIBA and most national boxing associations. For some amateur competition, breast protection is compulsory.

What's the difference between male and female boxers? ›

Male Boxers tend to be slightly larger than females, measuring 23 to 25 inches at maturity. Males are also bigger boned and more solid. But an individual Boxer's build is also influenced by his or her bloodline, regardless of gender.

Can two female boxers live together? ›

Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.

Why do they ring girls in boxing? ›

Ring girls first appeared in boxing. Having half-naked women at the games provides sexual attraction for the male audience. In contrast, some people see ring girls as a harmless tradition. Boxing promoter Lisa Elovich calls the practice "part of the show."

How many nipples do Boxers have? ›

Yes, both male and female dogs have nipples. These small bumps extend from their groin area up their stomachs, and the number of nipples can vary. Dogs tend to have between 8 and 10 nipples, but some have more, while others have fewer nipples.

Why do Boxers shave their chests? ›

Wrestlers and Boxers:

Hair can cause chaffing and irritation upon impact which can easily be avoided if you shave.

What protection do female boxers wear? ›

Do female boxers wear groin guards? Yes. Female fighters are required to wear groin protectors by the Association of Boxing Commissions. They are also required to wear chest protection and mouthguards during competition.

How long do female boxers stay pregnant? ›

Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62-64 days, or about two months, although the Merck Veterinary Manual says, “predicting the timing of a delivery can be difficult because the date of breeding does not always match the date of conception. The length of pregnancy can also vary with breed and litter size.”

What 2 breeds make a Boxer? ›

History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses.

Why do players hug in boxing? ›

So, while it might look like a hug from the outside, the clinch is actually a tactical maneuver, one that is typically used for three reasons: To break up an opponent's offensive rhythm. To give you time to clear your head after you've been stunned. To rest when you're desperately waiting for the bell to ring.

Why do guys hug in boxing? ›

Boxers clinch or “hug” to slow down the pace of the fight, and to prevent from getting hit at close range. Many boxers also clinch to get a small window of rest during the fight. While in the clinch, boxers expend less energy, and take a break from getting hit for a few seconds.

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