It is important to note that there are different types of boxing rules for different types of boxing in different parts of the world. Whereas, the one global boxing event, Olympics, has a totally different set of rules for boxing. But on rule remains the same at the end of the day, knock your opponent out.
Here we shall discuss in detail the two main widely recognized boxing types:
- Professional Boxing
- Amateur Boxing
There are three main differences in rules that help differentiate between the two.
- Total Rounds
- Time Duration of each round
- Referees decision
Total Rounds and Time Duration
In professional boxing there are 4 to 15 rounds of boxing where each round is of 3 minutes each with 1 minute of rest in between. While in amateur boxing, there are 3 to 5 rounds of boxing and similar to professional boxing, time duration of each round is 3 minutes with one minute of rest.
Referees Decision
For every fight each boxer is assigned a corner that is mainly used during intervals by coaches and managers. When a boxer is knocked down, the referee starts a count of ten and if the boxer remains on the floor after the count then the other boxer is deemed victorious by knockout. During the count, the other boxer is supposed to remain in a neutral area which does not include the assigned corners.
Another method of determining a winner is by a points system that is maintained by judges.
Boxing Equipment
There are certain mandatory gears that a professional and amateur boxer must wear before stepping inside a ring. A boxer must wear hand wraps inside the boxing gloves and proper boxing trunks and shoes. Finally, a mouthpiece to protect the jaw and an athletic cup to protect the groin area below the belt. But the main difference that separates professional and amateur boxing gear is the head gear. It is mandatory for a boxer to wear head gear in amateur boxing and not in professional boxing.
