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.

Don’t start later; start now!
If you are looking for a results-driven gym, call us at (305) 712-6041 to book your free first class (first-time guests with proof of local ID). South Beach Boxing is located in Miami Beach, operating at 715 Washington Ave since 1998.
