Modified July 27, 2005
ASSOCIATION OF BOXING COMMISSIONS
REGULATORY GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR ALL
WORLD AND REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS
The following regulatory guidelines and rules govern all championship professional boxing competitions held within the United States of America , Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, District of Columbia , and any Indian reservation.
In the event of a dispute regarding the guidelines, rules, or any other issue that is not clearly covered under the ABC rules, the supervising Commission of the bout will be the final authority.
General Rules
Licensees/Officials – Control
All licensees and officials involved in the actual conduct of an event shall be under the direct control of the supervising commission assigned to regulate the event. No official shall in any manner display partiality for one contestant over the other. The Uniform Championship Rules shall be utilized in conjunction with these guidelines.
Physical Examinations
All boxers competing shall receive a pre-fight physical examination by a ringside physician who certifies in writing whether or not the boxer is physically fit to safely compete. A true and correct copy of the event physician’s certification shall be provided to the supervising Commission. If the event physician’s certification fails to certify that the boxer is physically fit to safely compete, the boxer shall not participate in any contest, and immediately be placed on the National suspension list. Unless the supervising Commission determines otherwise, all post-fight physicals shall be conducted by the ringside physician after the final bout of the event. Boxers shall also be required to meet all supervising Commission licensing and medical requirements.
Prohibited Substances
Only discretionary use of petroleum jelly will be allowed on the face, arms or any other part of the boxer’s body.
In the case of a cut, only the topical use of the following is allowed:
a. A solution of adrenaline 1/1000
b. Avetine
c. Thrombin
**All other solutions are prohibited.
Prohibited Drugs
Any/all boxers may be required to submit to drug testing, or any other testing as required by the supervising Commission at the promoter’s expense.
Out of State Suspensions
All medical and administrative suspensions placed on contestants by other athletic commissions will be recognized by the supervising Commission.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Health Insurance
Each boxer shall be covered by health insurance that provides medical coverage for any injuries sustained in the boxing event. The recommended amount of health and accidental death benefit coverage per boxer is $100,000. The minimum amount per boxer shall be $10,000 health and $10,000 accidental death benefits. A certificate of health insurance must be provided to the supervising commission prior to the match.
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
Federal Identification card
Boxers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess a current Federal ID Card in order to compete in a professional boxing match.
Federal Compliance
There shall be full compliance with the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act (15 USC § 6301, et seq.) and any amendments made thereto.
LICENSE
Licenses
All positions recognized by the supervising commission are required to be licensed.
License Fee Schedule
The supervising Commission shall use their current license fee schedule.
FEMALE BOXING RULES
Protective Equipment
Female boxers shall box in boxing shorts, abdominal guard, foul proof cup, body shirt, shoes and a custom-made, individually fitted mouthpiece. Breast protectors are optional.
Hair & Cosmetics
Boxers shall wear NO facial cosmetics. Hair shall be secured with soft and non-abrasive materials when deemed appropriate by an official from the supervising commission.
Weight Classes
The weight classes shall be the same as used by male boxers.
Number and Duration of Rounds
No female professional boxing contest shall be scheduled for more than ten (10) rounds. Each round shall be two (2) minutes in duration and have a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
Female Bout Gloves Sizes
Glove weight shall be the same as used by male boxers. Larger gloves may be used if agreed upon by both boxers.
Pregnancy Test
Negative pregnancy tests, not more than 14 days old, shall be provided to the supervising boxing commission prior to each bout.
BOXING RULES
Weigh-Ins
Scales
The scales used for weigh-ins shall be provided by the promoter and approved by the supervising Commission. If more than one scale is used, each boxer shall be weighed on the same scale as his/her opponent.
Weigh-In Procedures
Boxers shall be weighed within twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled event, at a time and place chosen by the promoter and approved by the supervising Commission. The weigh-in shall take place in the presence of the supervising Commission and the promoter or the promoter’s representative. Once weigh-ins commence, the scales shall not be moved until all boxers have been weighed and weigh-ins are completed.
Weigh-ins within 24-Hours
When weighs-ins occur within twenty-four hours, but not less than twelve hours prior to an event’s scheduled start time, the boxer shall not exceed the weight specified on the boxer/promoter contract. If a boxer exceeds the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract, the supervising commission shall cancel the contest unless the boxer:
1. Loses the weight exceeded in the boxer/promoter contract at least twelve hours prior to the event’s scheduled start time;
2. Loses all but two pounds of the weight exceeded in the boxer/promoter contract at least twelve hours prior to the event’s scheduled start time and loses the final two pounds at least six hours prior to the event’s scheduled start time; or,
3. Renegotiates the boxer/promoter contract.
Boxers who weigh-in twelve to twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled event shall be required to re-weigh two hours prior to the scheduled event start time and will not be allowed to exceed the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract by more than ten pounds.
Weigh-ins within 12-Hours
When weigh-ins occur less than twelve hours prior to an event’s scheduled start time, the boxer shall not exceed the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract. For safety purposes, no boxer shall be permitted to lose MORE THAN two pounds within twelve hours of a contest. If a boxer weighs more than two pounds over the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract, the supervising commission shall cancel the contest unless the boxer:
1. Loses up to two pounds at least six hours prior to an event’s scheduled start time and renegotiates the boxer/promoter contract; or,
2. Renegotiates the boxer/promoter contract.
Weight Classes, Weight Differences and Glove Weight Guidelines
The following guidelines shall be used for contests unless the ABC waives the weight difference allowance in writing.
| Weight Class | Weight Difference Allowance | Glove Weight | |
| Mini Flyweight | Up to and including 105 pounds. | Not more than 3 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Light Flyweight | Over 105 to 108 pounds. | Not more than 3 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Flyweight | Over 108 to 112 pounds. | Not more than 3 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Super Flyweight | Over 112 to 115 pounds. | Not more than 3 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Bantamweight | Over 115 to 118 pounds. | Not more than 3 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Super Bantamweight | Over 118 to 122 pounds. | Not more than 4 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Featherweight | Over 122 to 126 pounds. | Not more than 4 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Super Featherweight | Over 126 to 130 pounds. | Not more than 4 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Lightweight | Over 130 to 135 pounds. | Not more than 5 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Super Lightweight | Over 135 to 140 pounds. | Not more than 5 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Welterweight | Over 140 to 147 pounds. | Not more than 7 pounds. | 8 oz. |
| Super Welterweight | Over 147 to 154 pounds. | Not more than 7 pounds. | 10 oz. |
| Middleweight | Over 154 to 160 pounds. | Not more than 7 pounds. | 10 oz. |
| Super Middleweight | Over 160 to 168 pounds. | Not more than 7 pounds. | 10 oz. |
| Light Heavyweight | Over 168 to 175 pounds. | Not more than 7 pounds. | 10 oz. |
| Cruiserweight | Over 175 to 200 pounds. | Not more than 12 pounds. | 10 oz. |
| Heavyweight | Over 200 pounds. | No limit. | 10 oz. |
Bout Approval
1. No boxing contest shall be allowed unless approved by the supervising Commission. The decision of the supervising Commission is final.
2. The supervising Commission may approve the contest if the following information about each boxer is similar and the supervising Commission does not have undo concern for the safety and welfare of either boxer proposed for a contest.
a. Boxing record;
b. Boxing experience;
c. Boxing skill; and
d. Physical condition.
3. The supervising Commission shall notify the matchmaker and promoter when a boxing contest is approved by giving preliminary approval to the matchmaker and by approving of the advance notice submitted by the promoter. Only bouts approved by the supervising Commission will be allowed, and their decision is final.
Duration of Rounds
No professional boxing contest shall be scheduled for more than twelve (12) rounds for males or ten (10) rounds for females. Each round shall be three (3) minutes in duration for male boxers and two (2) minutes for female boxers and have a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
Approved Ring Attire
Boxers shall box in boxing shorts, abdominal guard, foul proof cup, shoes and a custom-made, individually fitted mouthpiece. In addition, female boxers shall wear a body shirt while breast protection is optional (see Female Boxing Rules).
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps shall be restricted to no more than twenty (20) yards of soft gauze, not more than two (2) inches wide. The gauze shall be held in place by no more than eight (8) feet of adhesive tape, no more than one and one-half (1 ½) inches wide. The adhesive tape shall not cover any part of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. The use of water, or any other liquid or material, on the tape is strictly prohibited.
Hand wraps shall be applied in the dressing room in the presence of a Commission representative and, if requested, one representative of the other boxer.
Gloves
Gloves must have the distal portion of the thumb attached to the body of the glove so as to minimize the possibility of injury to an opponent’s eye. A glove, or set of gloves, shall only be used once during each boxing event. All gloves are subject to inspection by the supervising Commission. Gloves found to be twisted, manipulated, altered, unfit or ill-fitting, shall be replaced.
The promoter shall provide one set each of eight-ounce and ten-ounce gloves to the supervising Commission prior to the start of the first contest for use in case gloves are damaged during a contest. Promoters shall supply gloves that are whole, clean, sanitary, and in good condition. The gloves may not be twisted, manipulated or altered in any manner. The promoter shall provide new gloves for all main event and title bouts.
When two boxers in a contest are above and below the weights described in the subsection entitled “Guidelines for Boxing Weight Classes, Weight Difference and Glove Weight,” both boxers shall wear the gloves required for the higher weight.
Ring Occupants
No person other than the contestants and the referee shall enter the ring during a bout. For non-title fights there may be no more than three seconds. Between rounds, one second may be inside the ring and the other (2) on the ring apron. For a championship fight there may be four seconds. Between rounds, one second may be inside the ring and two (2) of the seconds on the ring apron, with the fourth second remaining off the apron on the floor.
The physician may enter the ring if asked by the referee, the supervising commission or the inspectors to examine an injury to a contestant.
No contestant shall leave the ring during any one-minute rest period between rounds.
The referee may, in his/her discretion, stop a contest or exhibition if an unauthorized person enters the ring during a round.
Fouls
A foul is an action by a boxer, identified by the referee, that does not meet the standard of a fair blow or the conduct of a responsible professional fighter. Fouls may include, but are not limited to, the following types of contact or acts:
1. Hitting an opponent below the navel or behind the ear;
2. Hitting an opponent who is knocked down;
3. Holding an opponent with one hand and hitting with the other;
4. Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch;
5. Wrestling, kicking or roughing;
6. Pushing an opponent about the ring or into the ropes;
7. Butting with the head, shoulder, knee, elbow;
8. Hitting with the open glove, the butt or inside of the hand, or back of the hand, the elbow or the wrist;
9. Purposely falling down onto the canvas of the ring without being hit or for the purpose of avoiding a blow;
10. Striking deliberately at that part of the body over the kidneys;
11. Using the pivot blow (pivoting while throwing a punch) or the rabbit punch
(punches thrown to the back of the head and neck areas);
12. Jabbing the eyes with the thumb of the glove;
13. Use of abusive language;
14. Unsportsmanlike conduct causing injury to an opponent that does not meet the standard of a fair blow;
15. Hitting on the break;
16. Intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece;
17. Hitting on or out of the ropes;
18. Holding rope and hitting;
19. Biting/spitting;
20. Not following referee’s instructions;
21. Stepping on opponent;
22. Crouching below opponent’s belt;
23. Leaving neutral corner; and
24. Corner second shouting.
Injuries sustained by Fouls
A. Intentional fouls.
1. If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.
2. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the authorities and deduct (2) points from the boxer who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls will be mandatory.
3. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped in a latter round, the injured boxer will win by TECHNICAL DECISION if he is ahead on the score cards or the bout will result in a TECHNICAL DRAW if the injured boxer is behind or even on the score cards. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round.
4. If boxer injures himself while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee will not take any action in his favor, and this injury will be the same as one produced by a fair blow.
5. If the referee feels that a boxer has conducted himself in an unsportsmanlike manner he/she may stop the bout and disqualify the boxer.
B. Accidental fouls.
If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout will result in a NO DECISION if stopped before three (3) completed rounds in bouts scheduled for four rounds. Rounds are complete when the bell rings signifying the end of a round. If a bout is scheduled for more than four (4) rounds and an accidental foul occurs causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout will result in a NO DECISION if stopped before four (4) completed rounds.
If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, after three (3) rounds have occurred in bouts scheduled for four rounds, the bout will result in a TECHNICAL DECISION, awarded to the boxer who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped. If a bout is scheduled for more than four (4) rounds and an accidental foul causing an injury severe for the referee to stop the bout immediately, after four (4) rounds have occurred, the bout will result in a TECHNICAL DECISION, awarded to the boxer who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped.
A fighter who is hit with an accidental low blow must continue after a reasonable amount of time but no more than five (5) minutes or he/she will lose the fight.
Penalty for Fouls
Disqualification for fouls to the body can only occur if the referee feels that these fouls are flagrant and/or continual. The referee may order a deduction of points for any illegal blow to the body and may, at his/her discretion, give a rest period of up to five (5) minutes for the injured boxer to recover. The referee may ask the ringside physician to examine the boxer before granting the rest period. If the referee rules the foul accidental and the injured boxer is unable to continue after the five (5) minute rest period, the rules governing accidental fouls shall apply.
A boxer who is hit with an accidental low blow must continue after the five- (5) minute rest or he/she will lose the bout.
When an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the authorities and deduct two (2) points from the boxer who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls are mandatory.
Determination of a Knockdown
It shall be ruled a knockdown when, as a result of a legal blow or series of legal blows, a contestant:
1. Touches the floor with any part of the body other than his/her feet;
2. Is being held up by the ropes, or
3. Is hanging on, through, or over the ropes without the ability to protect him/herself and cannot fall to the floor.
Knock Down Eight Count
In the case of a knock down, the eight (8) count is mandatory. A contestant who is knocked out shall be suspended for a minimum period of sixty days and a contestant who loses by technical knock out shall be suspended for a minimum period of thirty days from participating in any boxing activity.
A referee may terminate the count and the bout at any point when he/she decides that the safety of the downed boxer is at risk.
In the event of a knockdown, the downed boxer will be allowed a ten count in which to rise unassisted. Should a contestant arise before the count of ten is reached and go back down immediately without being struck by the opponent, the referee shall resume the count where he/she left off.
A referee may count a contestant out who is hanging defensively on, through, or over the ropes or on the floor.
When a knockdown occurs, the downed boxer’s opponent shall go to the furthest neutral corner and remain there while the count is being made. The referee may stop counting if the opponent fails to go to the neutral corner, and resume the count where he/she left off when the opponent reports to or returns to the neutral corner.
Bout Termination Due to Injury – Technical Knock-out (TKO)
When a cut is produced by a legal punch and the fight is stopped because of that cut, the injured boxer shall lose by Technical Knock-out, and the Commission shall inscribe in the records the letters TKO (loss by technical knock-out).
Any boxer losing by way of a TKO resulting from head blows shall receive a medical suspension and shall not participate in any boxing activity for a minimum of a thirty (30) day.
Bout Termination Due to a Knock-Out – Knock-out (KO)
When a boxer loses by way of a knock-out or is unable to rise by the count of ten, he/she shall lose by Knock-out (KO), and the Commission shall inscribe in the records the letters KO (loss by knock-out).
Medical Suspensions
A boxer losing by way of a Technical Knock Out (TKO) resulting from head blows shall receive a medical suspension and shall not participate in any boxing activity for a minimum period of thirty (30) days. A boxer losing by way of a Knock Out (KO) shall receive a medical suspension and shall not participate in any boxing activity for a minimum period of sixty days. At the discretion of the physician, longer suspension periods may be issued for either the TKO or KO.
Boxers shall receive a mandatory seven-day rest period after competing in an event. Day 1 of the mandatory rest period shall commence on the first day following the event.
A physician may issue a medical suspension any time he/she believes it to be in the best interest for the safety of a boxer (i.e., high blood pressure at pre-fight physical). In any/all cases, the decision by the physician to issue or extend a suspension is final.
EQUIPMENT
Ring Size
The ring shall be no less than sixteen (16) or more than 20 feet square when measured inside the line of the ropes. The apron of the ring shall extend beyond the ropes not less than two feet. The ring shall be equipped with four ropes with two spacer ties on each side of the ring to secure the ropes.
Medical Equipment Required
There shall be an ambulance and duly licensed EMT’s or paramedics with appropriate resuscitation equipment at ringside at all times.
SECONDS
Requirements and Restrictions
Every person serving as a second must be licensed if the supervising commission licenses seconds.
Entering Ring
Seconds shall not enter the ring to assist or move a boxer who has been knocked-down or injured until instructed to do so by medical personnel.
Chief Second and Corner Duties
No more than three seconds can assist a boxer during a non-title contest, one inside the ring and two on the ring apron. For championship contests, four seconds may be utilized, one inside the ring, two on the ring apron, and one at ground level. A boxer may lose points or be disqualified for the conduct of his/her chief second or corner(s).
1. Before a contest begins:
a. The chief second and other corner men for each boxer shall be identified for the inspector and the referee. Only those so identified shall be allowed in the boxer’s corner.
b. Before putting on gloves, the boxer shall present his/her wrapped hands for inspection by the supervising Commission.
c. The corner shall present the boxer, ready to box, when the referee calls the boxers to ring center for final instructions.
d. Sealed sport drinks must be presented to the Commission for examination before the bout or they may not be used.
2. During the round, seconds:
a. Must remain seated.
b. Must not mount the stairs or apron or enter the ring until the bell indicates the end of a round.
c. Must refrain from excessive coaching of his/her boxer.
d. Shall signal the referee to stop the fight by mounting the ring apron rather than throwing towels, sponges or anything else into the ring. Only the Referee can stop the contest, and he/she may consult with the ringside physician on the physical condition of either boxer at any time.
3. During the one minute rest period, a second:
a. May coach his/her boxer.
b. May treat cuts/abrasions and/or swelling.
c. May provide water, ice, approved sports drinks, or other cooling-down techniques.
d. Must leave the ring at the sound of the timekeeper’s whistle that is given ten seconds before a round begins.
e. Shall remove all items in the ring and on the ring platform prior to the bell sounding the beginning of the round.
PHYSICIANS
Physician Required at Ringside
There shall be at least one (1) physician at ringside at all times. The physician must be a licensed medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. The physician must be legally authorized to practice medicine by the state in which the boxing event is being held unless an exemption is granted per state statue.
REFEREES
Referee’s Responsibilities Before the Bout
1. Meet with each boxer and his/her chief second in their dressing room and:
a. Warn the seconds about violations of seconds rules, and if they do not comply, the referee shall warn them that further violations will result in disqualification of their contestant, and/or disciplinary action.
b. Identify the belt/hip line and clarify that the equipment shall not extend above this imaginary line.
c. Explain what you will do when the warning sounds, indicating that the end of the round is near, and when the bell sounds ending the round.
d. Explain to the chief second that he/she is expected to manage the corner (clean up spills and/or ice, wipe off excess petroleum jelly, and ensure that the boxer has his/her mouth piece in place before the start of each round).
e. Share how you will direct the boxers to break (i.e., “punch” or “get out” and, if necessary, “hold your punches” and step in and break the boxers.
f. Review fouls and how you will issue cautions and/or deducts points.
g. Inspect and sign hand wraps (unless the commission establishes some other process).
h. Ask the boxer and chief second if they have any questions.
2. Meet with the physician(s) to:
a. Determine his/her ringside experience.
b. Determine where the physician(s) will be located at ringside during the conduct of the bouts.
c. Inform/remind the physician that he/she is not to enter the ring unless directed to do so by the referee or the commission.
d. Specify the signal the referee will use to call the physician into the ring.
e. Specify the signal the referee will use to call the physician to a neutral corner.
f. Direct the physician to mount the ring apron quickly if called to examine a boxer during the bout, make a quick examination (no more than five to ten seconds), and communicate with the referee. Determine in advance how the physician will communicate his/her findings with the referee.
g. Direct the physician not to make any statements after examining a boxer that could change the dynamics of the bout, such as “Let it go one more round.”
h. Discuss the boxers and some of the things the physician may see during the fight (i.e., one boxer usually bleeds from the nose).
i. Obtain pre-fight medical exam.
3. Check the condition of the ring to ensure that everything is ready for the bout (buckets and stairs in red and blue corners, rope tension, ring floor and canvas condition, etc.).
4. When boxers enter the ring:
a. Inspect the gloves of the contestants and make sure that no foreign substances have been applied to the gloves or bodies of the contestants that might be detrimental to an opponent.
b. Inspect the gloves, trunks, shoes (double knot and/or taped), hair, mouthpiece, safety equipment (re-establish the belt line), and check for jewelry.
c. After the announcer makes introductions, call the boxers to center ring, give final instructions, direct boxers to return to their corners, and clear the ring and ring apron in preparation for the contest.
d. Before starting each bout, check each judge, the timekeeper and the physician(s) to determine if they are ready before signaling the timekeeper to start the contest.
Referee’s Responsibilities During the Bout
1. Ensure the safety of the boxers.
2. Enforce all the rules of the Commission that apply to the execution of performance and the conduct of contestants’ seconds while he/she is in the ring.
3. Maintain control of the fight at all stages and issue cautions and/or deduct points as appropriate.
4. Whenever the gloves of a contestant touch the canvas floor, whether by accident or by knockdown, physically inspect the gloves and wipe them clean before the bout proceeds.
5. If a boxer is cut, the referee may interrupt the bout to consult the ringside physician to determine if the injured boxer can continue or not.
6. If the ringside physician steps on the ring apron, the referee may call time-out and have the injured boxer examined by this physician. Final authority to stop or continue a bout rests with the referee.
7. Immediately stop a contest to inform the commission and boxers of an injury caused by a head butt or foul, determine if the act was intentional or accidental, and determine if the bout can continue.
8. Instruct the judges to mark their scorecards accordingly when he/she has assessed a foul upon one of the contestants.
9. If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of ten, or, if in the opinion of the referee, the contestant who was knocked down is in no condition to continue, the referee shall wave both arms to indicate a knockout.
10. If both contestants go down at the same time, counting shall be continued as long as one of them is still down. If both contestants remain down until the count of ten, the contest shall be stopped and the decision shall be a technical draw.
11. At the end of each round, pick up the score cards from the judges and turn them into the commission (unless some other process has been arranged for the bout by the commission).
Referee’s Responsibilities After the Bout Ends
1. Pick up the scorecards from the judges and turn them into the commission.
2. Inspect the hand wraps of both boxers after their gloves have been removed.
3. Call the boxers to center ring and raise the hand of the winner after his/her name is announced.
4. Maintain control of the ring, boxers, and seconds until the winner has been announced and they have all exited the ring.
Referee Approval
The commission shall name the referee and its decision shall be final.
Referee – Sole Arbiter
The referee is the sole arbiter of a bout and is the only individual authorized to stop a contest.
JUDGES
Number of Judges
The scoring shall be done by three judges, approved by the Commission. The referee, also approved by the Commission, will not score the contest.
Scoring criteria
The scoring shall be done on a TEN POINT must system. Judges are to score each round using the following scoring criteria:
1. Clean punching (power versus quantity).
2. Effective aggressiveness.
3. Ring generalship.
4. Defense.
Incomplete or partial rounds
In the event that the bout is stopped in the middle of the round, the judges shall score ALL incomplete or partials rounds as if they were a complete round.
Knockdowns
Judges shall deduct points for knockdowns only when they are called as such by the referee.
Point deductions
Judges may only deduct points for fouls when they are instructed to do so by the referee.
General guidelines for the “10 Point Must System”
Judges should avoid scoring a round even. (Complete concentration and application of the scoring criteria will allow Judges to pick the winner of each round.)
The basic scoring concepts are:
• Round ends, no clear winner 10-10 (Rare)
• Close round/Winning of the round by effective boxing – 10-9
• One knockdown and a winning of the round – 10-8
• No knockdowns, but a clear dominating winning of the round – 10-8
• Two knockdowns – 10-7
• One knockdown and one point deduction to the same boxer – 10-8 (minus 1) = 10-7
• More than two knockdowns – 10-6
• Two knockdowns and one point deduction – 10-7 (minus 1) = 10-6
Record Keeping
Within forty-eight (48) hours after the contest, the Supervisor’s Checklist, a form provided by A.B.C., and the results shall be completed and returned to A.B.C. by the supervising Commission.
Bout Agreements
1. Bout agreements shall contain:
a. Date, time and location of the event
b. Date, time and location of the weigh in
c. Contracted Weight
d. Amount of Purse
e. Specify any/all fees that will be deducted.
f. Specify the number of Rounds in the bout.
2. The boxer and promoter must sign and date the bout agreement.
A copy of the bout agreement must be provided to the boxer and supervising commission prior to the weigh in.
Financial Disclosures
Pursuant to the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and its subsequent amendments in the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, financial disclosures are required from the promoters, sanctioning organization, and ring officials.
Surety Bonds
Every promoter, as a condition for conducting a professional boxing event, shall file with the supervising commission a surety bond in an amount to be determined by that supervising commission, but not less than ten thousand dollars. Said surety bond is conditioned upon the faithful performance by the promoter of the provisions of these guidelines, the payment of the commission tax, officials, and contracts as provided for herein and the observance of all rules of the supervising commission.