Boxing

What are the rules of Boxing?

Boxing takes place in a 'ring' - a squared circle with sides between 4.9m and 7.3m in length and ropes between the four corners - attached to an elevated canvas mat.

The two boxers face each other over a number of rounds which usually last three minutes. A referee controls the action and can stop the bout if they deem one boxer unable to continue. They can also suspend proceedings temporarily to allow cuts to be attended or equipment to be adjusted.

If one boxer is punched to the floor, it is called a knockdown and the referee starts a count to 10. If the boxer fails to beat the count, they are knocked out. The referee can also award a standing eight count if they feel a boxer has taken a sufficiently hard punch to require a break.

Judges score each round separately with 10 points going to the boxer they feel has had the better of proceedings in terms of the power and accuracy of their punches although aggression is also often rewarded. The loser of the round usually scores nine points, but this can be eight if the winner has been particularly dominant or scored a knockdown. If the contest goes the distance, the scorecards will decide who has won.

What is the difference between Olympic Boxing and Professional Boxing?

In Olympic boxing, bouts for men and women consist of three three-minutes rounds. Adjudication and scoring has changed over the years but now there are five ringside judges who assess the contest.

Headguards were introduced at Los Angeles 1984 but then scrapped for the men ahead of Rio 2016. Women's Olympic boxing - which made its debut at London 2012 - still requires the use of headguards.

Having previously been restricted to amateur boxers, professionals were first admitted at Rio 2016.

In men's professional boxing, championship bouts consist of 12 three-minute rounds with just three ringside judges. In non-championship bouts of shorter durations, the referee is also the scorer.

In women's professional boxing, championship bouts consist of 10 two-minute rounds.