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October 18, 2026 BY South Beach Boxing

The Rules of Boxing

Boxing has been an official sport since 668 B.C., introduced during the ancient Olympic Games.

Back then, bouts were fought without modern protections. The sport has evolved significantly since: matches no longer continue indefinitely, and bouts are decided by knockout or judges’ scorecards.

Rules of Boxing

  • A professional bout typically takes place over up to 12 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 1-minute rest period between rounds.
  • Fighters may only strike with a clenched fist and cannot hit below the belt, in the kidneys, or to the back of an opponent’s head or neck.
  • Striking with the head, shoulder, forearm, or elbow is strictly prohibited.
  • If a boxer is knocked out of the ring, they cannot receive outside assistance and have a 20-count to return to the ring on their feet.
  • Boxers cannot hold or use the ring ropes for leverage.
  • You cannot strike an opponent who is down.
  • A fighter who absorbs an accidental low blow is allowed up to 5 minutes to recover.
  • If an accidental foul (such as a clash of heads) forces an early stoppage before 4 rounds are completed, the fight is ruled a no contest. If 4 rounds have been completed, the decision goes to the judges’ scorecards for a technical decision or technical draw.

rules of boxing

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