THE HISTORY OF BOXING RULES, REGULATIONS, AN BYLAWS
Posted on | August 14, 2007 | 3 Comments
The history of boxing acts, laws & regulations
By Greg Goodrich, boxing press editor in chief
BOXING PRESS EXCLUSIVE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2004
Onomastos of Smyrna sets Pugilistic Rules (in 688 BC)- 23rd Greek Olympic Games at the Pancraium. Boxers sat on marble stones pounding each other in the nude. The Greeks recognized two divisions- VAREA or ‘heavy’ boxing, discuss throwing, pangration and wrestling: and KOUFA, for all lighter weight classes. Fighters fought until one could not continue and oftentimes until the death. Generally, titles were won and defended every four years at the games.
Roman Coliseum (1st century BC)- until the end of Nero’s reign, Roman gladiators and imported pugilists fought to the death, which was expedited by the use of caestus (leather thongs or gloves); and myrmex (bronze forearm weapons). Boxing was held in a coliseum ‘ring’ or on a large boxing platform. The Romans banned gladiator fighting in 30 BC.
James Figg’s English School of Arms & Art of Self Defense Academy- (AD 1719-1743) – Figg’s Fighting Academy was opened in 1719 and was located on Tottenham Court Road. Figg’s Pugilistic Amphitheatre was opened in 1724 and was located on Oxford Road. His rules were rudimentary: 1. Wooden rails for ring enclosure. 2. Platform an elevated stage. 3. Referee officiated outside ring. 4. Sparring exhibitions before bouts. 5. Fight over when one standing. 6. Cudgeling, fencing and boxing.
Broughton’s 7 Professional Rules Governing Prize Fights- (August 16, 1743-1838)
1. Combatants were pitted in opposing corners. Seconds accompanied fighters to the center of the ring. No striking was allowed until fighters were on the ‘square’. 2. Knockdowns afforded a fighter 30 seconds or allotted the second to return his fighter to the square. 3. Chief seconds were stationed out of the ring and could save combatants only at ‘set-to’ moments in the fight. 4. No champion was defeated unless he could not continue or his second forfeited on his behalf. Second communication with adversaries was strictly forbidden, as was suggesting that he ‘give out’ or quit. 5. In ‘by-battles’, the winner received 2/3 of the money given or wagered; and the loser was entitled to 1/3 of the taken or remaining purse. Only private agreements super ceded money being issued publicly on the stage. 6. Two umpires were picked (in the audience) by each opposing ‘adversary’ or combatant. If any dispute arose, they settled the matter unless they are split. In that case, they select a third umpire. 7. No person was allowed to hit his adversary when he was down, or otherwise touch him until he returns to scratch.
The 29 Rules of the London Prize Ring- (1838-1867) – (New Rules revised and enforced until 1866 by the Pugilistic Benevolent Society a/k/a British Pugilistic Association). Modified changes only: 1. Broughton’s Rule #1 ‘square of a yard’ changed to old ‘scratch’ line. 2. After 30 second respite, fighters only returned to scratch. If they failed to do so within 8 seconds, they lost the bout. 3. Boxer dress was restricted, especially spikes on boots. 4. A man who willfully fell to the canvas without being struck lost. In other words, no taking a knee for respite. 5. Fouls were defined fully as biting, butting, gouging, kicking, scratching, squeezing on ropes: or use of stones. 6. Provisions were made for ‘backers and betters’ collecting wagers, in lieu of cancellations, interference, postponements, natural acts of disaster, boxer’s quitting or unforeseen circumstances such a mob riots or police intervention.
The 12 Queensbury Rules Governing Contests for Endurance- (1867-present) -super cedes London Prize Rules, drafted by John Chambers’ endorsed and named after John Sholto Douglas, 8th Marquis of Queensbury (Marquees of Queensberry). Douglas was the 9th Marquees of Queensbury and the Viscount Drumlanrig who inherited the title from his father Archibald William Douglas in 1858.
1. The ring must be 24 feet in diameter for a ‘fair boxing match’. 2. No hugging or wrestling allowed. 3. Rounds last three minutes with one minute intermittent rest. 4. If either man falls or is knocked down, he must rise within ten seconds or else wise are counted out. The referee has discretion to allow the fight to continue or waive it off. 5. A man being held or otherwise supported by the ropes is down. 6. No seconds or other persons allowed in the ring during fighting. 7. If the bout is stopped due to unavoidable interference, the referee named the time, place and location of a rematch or continuance bout, so that a ‘won, lost’ outcome is achieved, unless backers of the fighters agree to ‘draw the stakes’. 8. Boxing gloves are to be new, of high quality and a fair size. Most lighter-weight bouts use 6 ounces; middle weights 8 ounces: and heavier weights 10 ounces. 9. Should a glove burst or come off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction in order for the bout to continue. 10. A man who has fallen upon one knee shall be considered down; and if struck, he shall be entitled to the stakes. 11. No shoes or boots allowed with strings. 12. The contest in all other respects is to be governed by the Revised rules of the London Prize Ring.
The 21 National Sporting Club (NSC) Rules- (1891- Unknown) – This London based private club amended the 12 Queensbury Rules, modifying them with new augment rules. There were nine specific criteria, such as designating the role of officials; devising a system of scoring bouts; and enabling the referee to determine who won the bout. This accomplishment transpired in 1909 by ratification vote and in 1910 eight traditional weight classes were implemented:
Heavyweight- [176 lbs plus; at least 75.3 kg; over 12 stone, 7 lbs]
Cruiserweight- [175 lb maximum; 79.5 kg; or 12 stone, 5 pounds]
(later called lighter heavyweight by the English and light heavyweight by the Americans. Solidified under NSYAC and NBA as one division, with a uniform name.)
Middleweight- [160 lbs maximum; 72.7 kg; or 11 stone, 4 pounds]
Welterweight- [147 lbs maximum; 66.8 kg; or 10 stone, 5 pounds]
Lightweight- [135lbs maximum; 61.4 kg; or 9 stone, 6 pounds]
Featherweight- [126lbs maximum; 57.3 kg; or 9 stone]
Bantamweight- [118lbs maximum; 53.6 kg; or 8 stone, 4 pounds]
Flyweight- [112lbs maximum; 50.9 kg; or 8 stone]
NOTE: weight class key- one pound equals .45359237 kilograms. One pound equals .0714285714 stone. Sixteen ounces equals one pound, 14 stone and 6 kilograms.
American Fair Play Rules (1888 – Unknown) – governed glove contests.
The Horton Law- (1896-1900) – began in New York.
Colorado State Boxing Commission- (1899-) – This state statute first legalized and then legislated boxing.
Anti-Prize Fight Film Law- (1912-1940) – United States Federal Law.
The Frawley Law- (August 29, 1911-1917) – Based in New York.
California Law- (1914-1924) – Professional bouts set for 4 match rounds.
The Hurley Law- (1918-1920) – New Jersey law allows 8 round bouts in 1918; then 12 round bouts in April 1920.
The People vs. Packey O’Gatty- (February 1918) – [O’Gatty was a former Bantamweight champion, well known for knocking out a Japanese jujitsu fighter Shimakado in only 14 seconds. Little is known about this legal ruling.
The Walker Law- (1920- Present) – A New York law which regulated professional prize fighting; establishing standardized weight classes: and setting uniform rules which were adopted by both the NYSAC and the NBA.
California State Athletic Association- (1925) – Permits 10 round professional bouts in the state of California.
Illinois Boxing Commission- (June 1926) – Legalized boxing in the State of Illinois.
Washington DOL Professional Athletics- (April 1933) – Changed 6 round bouts to legalized 10 round matches.
Texas Boxing & Wrestling Program- (September 1933) – Legalized boxing in the state of Texas.
Cuban National Ruling- (January 4, 1962) – Outlawed professional boxing, making it a crime.
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection- (1965)- Boxing banned in the state; statute repealed in 1972.
Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 – Senate bill is ratified in 1997.
American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians- Established in 1997, the AAPRP developed boxing protocol for medical guidelines, safety protection for professional boxers.
The Professional Boxers Bill of Rights (January 1, 1997):
Drafted by the United States Association of Boxing Commissions, in conjunction with the National Association of Attorney General’s Boxing task Force- pursuant to the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996. 1. You have the right to be treated in a professional manner and to be informed about all aspect of your sport. 2. You have the right to all have terms of any contract with a promoter or manager in writing. 3. You have the right to have all contracts read and explained to you, either by the local commission representative or anyone of your choosing (including your attorney). 4. Before any bout you have a right to know your opponent’s name, their record, and the weight lass of the bout, and the amount of your purse, including any travel or training expenses. To check on any boxer’s record, including your own, contact Fight Fax at 856-638-0505. 5. You have the right to review, obtain, and keep copies of any of your contracts. 6. You have the right to directly receive any and all payments from a bout as set forth in your bout agreement. 7. You have the right to receive a written post-bout accounting from the promoter, your manager, or both, which shows how the total amount of your purse was distributed. If you have any deductions taken from your purse, you have the right to ask for a written accounting of what these deductions were, and why they were deducted from your purse. 8. You have a right to have a doctor at ringside at all times as well as emergency medical personnel and/or ambulance present at the bout locations at all times. 9. You have the right to have medical insurance to cover any injuries resulting from a bout and to know the name of the insurance company and the amount of coverage that is provided. 10. You have the right to hire individuals of your choice to serve as your managers, trainers, or seconds, You are not required to hire any individual in order to obtain a bout. 11. You have a right to know why your ranking with any sanctioning body has changed and the reasons for this changed. This may be done in writing to the organization. The organization must respond to you in writing, within 7 days. 12. You have the right to appeal any and all suspension and to be informed as to why you were suspended and the length of your suspensions. 13. You have the right to contact your local commission or the Association of Boxing Commissions to report any violations, ask any questions or seek any advice. You as a boxer should get a copy and/or read the two federal boxing bills that detail many of your rights and responsibilities as a professional boxer. These two bills are: The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and The Muhammad Ali Act of 2000.
Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000 – Senate bill modifies PBSA of 1996.
National Boxing Commission Act of 2001 – Boxing taskforce establishes a National Boxing Association to regulate boxing under the auspices of the Federal government, in coordination with the Association of Boxing Commissions.
National Association of Attorneys General Boxing Task Force: Last updated January 24, 2003 in conjunction with the Professional Boxing Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 6301, et seq. Established 1996; amended in 2000 as the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Established uniform safety precautions, minimum health safeguards and ethical criteria for boxing, commissions, fighters, promoters, managers and sponsors. Rules for the appointment of referees, judges, and ring physicians were recommended, along with licensing procedures for mangers and promoters. Rules and regulations for governing boxing bouts, established charitable trusts and pension accounts, along with restrictions on coercive contracts. Also addressed medical standards; established a professional boxer’s bill of rights; set guidelines for systems of scoring; and called for an independent boxing poll for more objective ratings criteria.
H. R. 1065, United States Boxing Commission Act: Will establish the United States Boxing Commission (USBC) within the Department of Commerce. The commission would protect the interests of boxers and would govern the business of professional boxing by regulating the sport of boxing, licensing and registering boxing participants, and overseeing all boxing matches in the United States: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdoc.cfm?index=6555&type=0&sequence=0.
Note of Disclaimer: this written material may be disseminated, published, syndicated or otherwise reproduced, without prior expressed, written consent, provided that its original source, intellectual property and exclusive authorship are attributed to Boxing Press Editor in Chief Greg Goodrich. Copy righted. 2007. All rights reserved. All statistics and records have been verified by due diligence searches via microfiche newspapers; perusal of Boxiana, Fistiana and Pugilistica: verification from the Ring Record Book: data obtained from bkbworld.com, boxrec.com and cyberboxzingzone.com: and information gathered in the public domain. If any name is missing and/or any data is incorrect, please contact the author so that a correction can be made.