Section 5: Rules of Play
Bout Structure
WBA championship bouts are scheduled for twelve (12) rounds. Non-championship bouts may be scheduled for four (4) to twelve (12) rounds as determined by the applicable commission and promoter. Each round consists of three (3) minutes duration, with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
Legal Blows
A legal blow is a punch landed with the padded knuckle area of the closed fist on the front or sides of the opponent's head or body above the beltline (an imaginary line from the top of the hip bones). Blows to the back of the head, the back of the body, below the belt, or to the kidneys are fouls.
Knockdowns and Counts
When a boxer is knocked down, the referee administers the Mandatory Eight (8) Count. The standing boxer must retire to the farthest neutral corner. The referee's count begins when the standing boxer reaches the neutral corner. The downed boxer must rise before the count of ten (10) to continue. If the downed boxer rises before the count of eight, the referee must still count to eight before allowing the bout to continue.
- There is NO Standing Eight (8) Count in WBA bouts
- There is NO Three (3) Knockdown Rule — the referee uses discretion
- A boxer who has been knocked down cannot be saved by the bell in any round
Knocked Out of the Ring
A boxer who is knocked out of the ring receives a twenty (20) second count. The boxer must return to the ring unassisted by spectators or seconds. If assisted by anyone, the boxer may lose points or be disqualified at the sole discretion of the referee.
Clinching
When boxers clinch, the referee will call "break" and the boxers must step back before resuming action. Hitting on the break is a foul. Excessive clinching or holding may result in a warning, point deduction, or disqualification.