The 10 most important rules in professional boxing
The 10 most important rules in professional boxing
Boxing is one of the world's oldest and most respected sports – a sport built on discipline, technique and strict rules. Unfortunately, today we see some actors choosing to promote exhibition matches where athletes with no boxing experience systematically break the rules. When this is presented as "boxing", the sport is reduced to parody and play.
CombatStore clearly distances itself from this development. We are a supplier that puts quality and professionalism first – both when it comes to equipment and the sport as a whole. We do not want to support events where influencers meet influencers in the ring, or where equipment sponsors help legitimize unregulated and irresponsible behavior. We believe this damages the reputation of boxing and overshadows the serious sport.
To show you what real boxing is all about, here we give you an overview of the 10 most important rules in professional boxing – the rules that preserve the sport, protect the athletes and ensure fair competition.
1. Only punches with a clenched fist and legal hitting areas
A boxer may only strike with clenched fists, and only to the front or side of the head and the body above the belt. Elbow strikes are strictly prohibited. It is also forbidden to strike while the opponent is sitting or lying down.
👉 See our boxing gloves
2. No blows behind the head or below the belt
Hits to the back of the head, neck or kidneys are prohibited. The same applies to hits below the belt. The referee marks the belt height before the fight starts.
👉 Also remember to suspend for safety
3. No holding, pushing or wrestling
Running over your opponent, pushing him into the ropes, grabbing or using your shoulder, elbow or head to block blows is illegal and may result in a warning or a point deduction.
4. The Knockdown Rule
If a boxer goes to the floor after a punch, the referee starts a count of ten. Punching while the opponent is down is considered a serious violation of the rules and can lead to disqualification.
5. Standing eight-count
The referee may count to eight even if the boxer is standing, if he or she appears groggy or defenseless. This is done to protect the boxer.
6. The authority of the judge
The referee has the authority to stop the match, give warnings, deduct points or disqualify athletes who do not follow the rules.
7. Lap and time format
A professional fight usually lasts 4 to 12 rounds, each lasting 3 minutes, with a 1-minute break.
8. The points system
If no one wins by knockout, three judges decide the winner on points according to the 10-point system. The round winner gets 10 points, the opponent 9 or fewer. Points may be deducted for rule violations.
9. Protective equipment
Professional boxers must wear approved boxing gloves, mouthguard, suspension and boxing shorts. Head protection is only used in amateur boxing.
👉 See our selection of mouthguards
10. Fair play and respect
Boxing is about discipline and respect. Repeated rule violations, unsportsmanlike conduct or dangerous behavior may result in immediate disqualification.
Summary
The rules of professional boxing are there to protect the athletes and preserve the sport. When a fight is marked by elbows, punches after a stoppage, or opponents being pushed over the edge, we see how breaking the rules can ruin both the experience and respect for the sport.
CombatStore always supports those who take the sport seriously – athletes who respect the rules, train hard, and represent boxing as the traditional and professional sport it is.