Rules

A boxing match is typically consists of a predetermined number of three-minute rounds – three (3) for an Olympic bout and up to twelve (12) for a professional fight. A one minute break is given between rounds wherein fighters in their assigned corners receive instructions and attention from their coach and staff. Each boxer enters the ring from their assigned corners at the beginning of each round and must cease fighting and return to their respective corner at the signaled end of each round.

On every fight, a referee within the ring mediates to control the conduct of fighters, checks fighter’s safety, count knocked-down fighters, and rule on fouls. Three judges are present at ringside to score the bout and assign points to the boxers, based on punches that connect and knockdowns.

If the predetermined number of rounds passes, the judge will decide the outcome of the fight. With the three judges, the fighter with the higher score at the end of the fight is ruled the winner, either by unanimous, majority, split decision, or at times, the bout may end in a draw.

The boxer may win the fight via a knockout. If a fighter is knocked down during the fight, meaning, any part of his body touches the canvas floor of the ring other his feet, the referee will start counting until the fighter can get up and continue to fight. A knock-out is ruled if the knock-down boxer cannot continue to fight at the count of ten. Technical knockout is also a possibility. This is ruled by the referee, fight doctor, or a figher's corner if the fighter is unable to safely continue to fight, whether due to injuries or being accessed as unable to effectively defend himself.

Is is considered foul if the the boxer hit below the belt. Other foul moves include spitting, biting, kicking, holding, head-butting, tripping, pushing, or hitting with any part of the arm other than the knuckles of a closed glove-protected fist. Further, it is also a foul to hit the neck or back of the head, or the kidneys. On gaining advantage, it is prohibited to punch while holding an opponent, likewise punching while holding the ropes for support.

After a clinch (a defensive move in which a boxer intentionaly hold to create a pause) is broken by the referee, both fighter must take a full step back before punching again. On some ocassions, the referee may instruct the fighters to punch-out of the clinch. When a boxer is knocked-down, the other boxer must immediately stop fighting and move to a neutral corner of the ring until the referee has either ruled a knockout or call for the fight to continue.

On every violation or fouls, the referee may issue warnings. However, for successive fouls, the referee may opt to deduct points or disqualify the offending boxer, resulting to an automatic loss.

A fighter who suffers an accidental low-blow may be given up to five minutes to recover, after which they may be ruled knocked out if they are unable to continue. Accidental fouls that cause injury ending a bout may lead to a "no decision" result, or else cause the fight to go to a decision if enough rounds (typically four or more, or at least three in a four-round fight) have passed.