Section 4: Players/Officials
The Boxers
Two boxers compete in each bout. Each boxer must be licensed by the applicable athletic commission and must meet all medical requirements prior to competition. Boxers must weigh in at the official weigh-in, typically held the day before the bout. WBA championship bouts permit a one-pound allowance over the weight class limit for non-title holders in certain circumstances. Boxers who fail to make weight may forfeit the opportunity to win the championship.
The Referee
The referee is the sole arbiter of the bout and the only individual authorized to stop a contest. The referee is responsible for:
- Enforcing the rules of boxing throughout the bout
- Issuing instructions and warnings to boxers
- Stopping the bout when a boxer is unable to continue safely (TKO)
- Administering the Mandatory Eight Count after knockdowns
- Deducting points for fouls
- Disqualifying a boxer for flagrant or repeated fouls
The referee's decisions are final except where a video or other review of a decision may be conducted under procedures of the applicable regulatory authority if a protest is filed claiming a clear rule violation.
The Judges
All WBA bouts are evaluated and scored by three (3) judges positioned at separate locations around the ring. Judges score each round independently using the 10-Point Must System. Judges must not communicate with each other or with anyone else during the bout regarding scoring.
The Timekeeper
The timekeeper is responsible for keeping accurate time of each round and rest period. The timekeeper signals the beginning and end of each round by sounding the bell. Ten seconds before the end of each rest period, the timekeeper gives a warning signal to clear the ring of seconds.
Corners and Seconds
Each boxer is permitted a maximum of four (4) seconds (cornermen) in their corner between rounds. Only one chief second is permitted to enter the ring between rounds. Seconds may not enter the ring during a round. Seconds must remain in their designated corner area and may not interfere with the bout. Corners may stop the bout by throwing in the towel.