Much water has flowed since the semi-legal fights of English gentlemen turned into sports. Boxing is a contact form in which two people strike above the waist with special gloves. The observance of the rules between the boxers is monitored by a judge who, together with them, is in the ring.
In professional boxing, the financial component comes first. That is why it is more popular in comparison with the amateur martial arts. Many boxers begin their professional careers after participating in the Olympics, where they gain invaluable experience.
The rules of professional boxing must be respected by all persons who take part in fights and organize them. What are the basic rules in this sport? Why is he so attractive? How many rounds are there in boxing? Let's try to understand these issues.
Rules of the Marquis of Queensberry
In 1867, John Sholto Douglas, formerly the ninth Marquis of Queensberry, funded as well as promoted the set of boxing rules. As a result of this, 12 points were called the "rules of the Marquis of Queensberry."
They determined the size of the ring, stipulated forbidden tricks, it was clearly stated how many rounds in boxing, and other important nuances.
The duration of the rounds was 3 minutes, and in between the boxers had the opportunity to rest for one minute. When one of the fighters fell, a countdown of 10 seconds began, after which he had to rise. Otherwise, the judge credited the second boxer with a victory. It was forbidden to grab the ropes with your hands, touch the ring with your knee, wear shoes with sharp heels and strangers to be in the ring during the fight. Boxing gloves must be made of leather and weigh equally. If during the battle they fell into disrepair, by the decision of the judge, a replacement could be made. A draw was allowed subject to agreement with the result of participants in financial bets.
Location of the battle
Professional boxing provides for holding their fights in a square ring, the size of which cannot be less than 5x6 meters. A smooth surface must have the necessary strength. It is covered with elastic material, after which a tarp or its analogue is installed.
On the perimeter of the ring 4 rows of ropes are pulled at different heights from its surface - 30, 60, 90 and 120 cm. In the corners of the ring, having red and blue colors, one stool is installed.
Boxers must conduct the battle, having a good overview of their opponent, so the illumination should be at least 1000 lux. Lighting equipment must be installed on top of the ring. Side lighting is prohibited.
Professional boxing equipment
Before the fight, boxers wrap gauze bandages on their hands, which are fixed with adhesive tape. Different gloves are used depending on the weight category. For example, for representatives of heavyweight, their weight is 12 ounces.
Unlike amateur boxing, professionals fight without a protective helmet, which reduces the likelihood of injury. However, the judge has the right to end the fight due to injury to one of the boxers. Therefore, it is important to stop bleeding during breaks. Also, professional boxing provides for a fight with a naked torso. The entire costume of the participants in the duel consists of only cowards that cover a third of the thigh. To protect the teeth, a special device, a mouth guard, is inserted into the oral cavity.
The duration of the battle and its completion options
How many rounds are there in boxing? In amateur, unlike professional, the duration of the fight is much shorter and is 3-4 rounds. For professionals, the total number of rounds is 10-12. How long does a round in boxing last? The duration of each round is 3 minutes. There is one break between them. If a professional boxer holds his first fight, there should be no more than four rounds.
The judge may end the fight in the following cases:
- knockdown;
- knockout;
- the use of prohibited tricks by one of the participants in the duel;
- getting injured by one of the participants in the duel (bleeding wound);
- disorientation of the boxer.
A knockdown occurs if one of the participants in the fight touches the ring with his body, with the exception of the feet, clings to the ropes or appears outside the battle zone. The boxer has 10 seconds to get out of the knockdown, otherwise the judge will be forced to stop the fight. If he failed to rise during this time, then a knockout is announced.
Judicial Assessment
In addition to the main judge, who is constantly in the ring, three side referees are watching the fight. Their tasks include scoring boxers for the results of each round. Initially, each participant in the fight has 10 points. At the end of the round, the side judge needs to determine a stronger boxer, who will go 10 points to the asset, and 9. to the loser 9. How many rounds have passed in the box - this number of points should be set for each boxer. Then all the numbers are summed up, and if such a need arises, the winner is determined. Knockdowns are pretty badly hit by the rating of boxers, reducing it immediately by 2 points. Thus, if during the rounds the strongest was not determined, the verdict is issued by the side judges.