What is low blow rule in Boxing (WBC)?

Verdict

Why people argue about this

People often assume that a low blow in boxing is automatically a foul and results in a knockout, forgetting that it's only considered unsportsmanlike conduct unless it leads to a clear injury or disqualification. The rule doesn't mean a fight can't end from a low blow; it just means the referee must check for injuries before deciding if play should continue.

Send this to your friend — argument over.

Section 7: Violations/Penalties

Illegal Blows and Fouls

The following actions constitute fouls and may result in point deductions or disqualification:

Hitting below the belt line.
Hitting an opponent who is down or is rising from a knockdown.
Holding and hitting simultaneously.
Holding, locking, or clinching the opponent's arm or head.
Butting with the head, shoulder, forearm, or elbow.
Hitting with the open glove, the inside of the glove, the wrist, or the back of the hand.
Hitting on the back of the head or neck (rabbit punch).
Hitting on the kidneys (kidney punch).
Wrestling, throwing, or pushing the opponent.
Striking while holding the ropes or using the ropes for leverage.
Intentionally spitting out the mouthguard.
Biting the opponent.
Pivoting (spinning) backhand or backfist blows.
Using abusive or unsportsmanlike language or conduct.
Hitting after the bell or after the referee orders a break.
Deliberately falling without being hit to avoid punishment.

Low Blow Rule

It is expressly understood that a championship contest is not to be terminated by the effects of a low blow. The foul protector that must be worn by both contestants is considered sufficient protection. If a contestant, after the referee instructs them to continue, indicates an unwillingness to continue because of a claim of a low blow, the contest shall be terminated and awarded to their opponent.

In case of a foul, the referee shall determine if the fouled contestant can immediately continue or not. If the referee determines that the contestant's chances have been jeopardized as a result of the foul, the referee may order a rest interval of not more than five (5) minutes. The bout shall continue thereafter if the foul was caused by a low blow.

Penalties for Fouls

Warning: The referee may issue a verbal warning for minor infractions. Warnings do not result in point deductions but are communicated to the judges.
Point Deduction: Any contestant who deliberately fouls their opponent shall be penalized with a deduction of points. The severity of the foul and its effect on the opponent determine the number of points deducted.
Disqualification: Severe or repeated fouling may result in disqualification. A contestant who is disqualified loses the bout.

Drugs and Stimulants

The WBC works with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to promote effective anti-doping practices in boxing. The use of illegal or performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants before or during a championship contest shall be sufficient cause for disqualification.

Any substance other than plain water given to a contestant during the course of the bout is absolutely prohibited.
A discretionary amount of lubricant may be used around the eyes; however, the use of lubricants, grease, or any other foreign substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited.
Approved coagulants such as Adrenalin (1/1000) may be used between rounds to stop bleeding of minor cuts or lacerations.
The use of "iron type" coagulants, such as Monsel's solution, is absolutely prohibited and shall be grounds for disqualification.
The WBC encourages all local governing boxing commissions to conduct anti-doping tests before or after the bout.

Section 7: Violations/Penalties

Illegal Blows and Fouls

The following actions constitute fouls and may result in point deductions or disqualification:

Hitting below the belt line.

Hitting an opponent who is down or is rising from a knockdown.

Holding and hitting simultaneously.

Holding, locking, or clinching the opponent's arm or head.

Butting with the head, shoulder, forearm, or elbow.

Hitting with the open glove, the inside of the glove, the wrist, or the back of the hand.

Hitting on the back of the head or neck (rabbit punch).

Hitting on the kidneys (kidney punch).

Wrestling, throwing, or pushing the opponent.

Striking while holding the ropes or using the ropes for leverage.

Intentionally spitting out the mouthguard.

Biting the opponent.

Pivoting (spinning) backhand or backfist blows.

Using abusive or unsportsmanlike language or conduct.

Hitting after the bell or after the referee orders a break.

Deliberately falling without being hit to avoid punishment.

Low Blow Rule

Penalties for Fouls

Warning: The referee may issue a verbal warning for minor infractions. Warnings do not result in point deductions but are communicated to the judges.

Point Deduction: Any contestant who deliberately fouls their opponent shall be penalized with a deduction of points. The severity of the foul and its effect on the opponent determine the number of points deducted.

Disqualification: Severe or repeated fouling may result in disqualification. A contestant who is disqualified loses the bout.

Drugs and Stimulants

Any substance other than plain water given to a contestant during the course of the bout is absolutely prohibited.

A discretionary amount of lubricant may be used around the eyes; however, the use of lubricants, grease, or any other foreign substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited.

Approved coagulants such as Adrenalin (1/1000) may be used between rounds to stop bleeding of minor cuts or lacerations.

The use of "iron type" coagulants, such as Monsel's solution, is absolutely prohibited and shall be grounds for disqualification.

The WBC encourages all local governing boxing commissions to conduct anti-doping tests before or after the bout.

Low Blow Rule