Boxing is a contact sport with rules order to ensure each fighter competes on an even playing field and to minimize the chance of unintentional deaths. The rules of boxing are designed to create a set of guidelines that govern the environment in which the fighters compete and set limitations on what they can do.
What Are The Rules Of Boxing?
1. Clinching
A clinch refers to the act of a fighter holding each other's arms or heads against their own body with the intent of restraining them. The rules of boxing prohibit the use of any striking techniques such as elbow strikes, shoulder thrusts, or headbutts while in a clinch. The clinch is a dangerous position because it allows both fighters to strike at will and is considered one of the most dangerous positions for a competitor in boxing.
2. Rounds
A round is a segment of the fight that is completed when both fighters have had an opportunity to strike any legal area on their opponent's body once. The rules of boxing require each round to last for three minutes or a maximum of ten non-stop punches being delivered by the competitors.
3. Weigh-In
The rules of boxing require all competitors to weigh in for their fight the day before the match. Each competitor weighs in front of a judge and witnesses to prevent any attempts at weight cheating during the fight. This is the most common way for boxers to gain advantages over their opponents because competitors usually lose a lot of weight during the fight.
4. No hitting below the belt
The game of boxing has strict rules against hitting below the belt which means striking an opponent in the groin area or any other body part below the waist. This can be risky for the competitor and the referee may disqualify a fighter if they do not discontinue striking after being warned.
5. No headbutting
The boxers are prohibited from delivering a headbutt or any of the techniques known as a "sleeper punch" during their matches. The rules of boxing consider these techniques to be an important part of the sport and their use of them can lead to a disqualification in the ring.
6. Knockdowns
A knockdown occurs when a boxer is knocked down by their opponent and unable to immediately continue fighting. The referee will call a knockdown when they are deemed too injured to continue fighting. If the competitor who is struck can show enough of an attempt at self-defense the fight can continue. After a knockdown, the rules of boxing require that the fallen fighter be given eight seconds to recover before continuing with the match.
7. Fouls
Fouls occur when a boxer uses an illegal punch or action during a match. Each foul has a designated penalty from the referee based on its severity. The most common foul that occurs often is called "holding" or "punching down". This refers to striking an opponent with the intent to hurt them and is considered illegal as it causes no contact. The penalty for holding an opponent is usually a warning from the referee while punching down has caused a disqualification that means the opponents will lose the fight.
8. Disqualifications
Disqualification is considered the most severe penalty that can occur during a fight. This occurs when a boxer intentionally breaks one of the rules of boxing or cannot defend themselves while hitting an opponent. The rules of boxing maintain that the referee will disqualify a competitor if they feel they are unable to defend themselves against their opponent. This often occurs when they are knocked down so many times that they are unable to continue in the match and gain little to no offensive opportunities during the play-out.
Boxing could be considered a dangerous sport, especially in the early 20th century when bare-knuckle fights were legal. The rules of boxing offer a level playing field for both competitors and are important to maintaining an environment where the fighters can compete safely.
Written by: Alice_daisy