Section 1: Introduction
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) is one of the four major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing, alongside the WBA, WBC, and IBF. Founded on October 14, 1988, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the WBO is the youngest of the "Big Four" organizations. It was established by a group of businessmen and boxing enthusiasts who sought to create a more transparent and athlete-focused governing body following disputes within the WBA.
Headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the WBO has grown from a regional organization into a globally recognized sanctioning body, with its champions acknowledged as legitimate world titleholders by fans, promoters, and media worldwide. The WBO gained widespread credibility through the careers of champions such as Manny Pacquiao, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calzaghe, and Terence Crawford.
The WBO sanctions world championship bouts across seventeen weight divisions, from Mini Flyweight (105 lbs / 47.627 kg) to Heavyweight (over 200 lbs / 90.719 kg). All championship contests must be conducted in accordance with WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests and the rules of the local governing boxing commission having jurisdiction over the bout.
A distinguishing feature of the WBO is its independent ratings committee, which evaluates and ranks contenders based on merit, activity, and quality of opposition. The WBO also pioneered the concept of the "Super Champion" designation, granted to undisputed or lineal champions who hold titles across multiple sanctioning bodies, allowing them additional flexibility in scheduling mandatory defenses.
The WBO has been an advocate for modern innovations in boxing, including the use of instant replay technology to review controversial decisions, and has maintained a strong commitment to anti-doping through partnerships with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). For the complete and authoritative rulebook, please visit the official WBO website: https://www.wboboxing.com
Section 2: Equipment
Gloves
WBO championship contests require the use of new boxing gloves provided by the promoter. The gloves must meet the following specifications:
- Mini Flyweight through Welterweight (105-147 lbs): Eight (8) ounce gloves shall be used.
- Super Welterweight through Heavyweight (154 lbs and above): Ten (10) ounce gloves shall be used.
- Gloves must be approved by the WBO Championship Committee and the local boxing commission. Only gloves from WBO-approved manufacturers may be used in championship contests.
- Each contestant shall have a representative present during the gloving process. Both corners must agree on the brand and model of gloves, or the WBO supervisor shall make the final determination.
- Gloves must not be altered, manipulated, or tampered with in any way. The wrapping of hands shall be inspected and approved by the opposing corner's representative and the WBO supervisor before gloving.
- Laces must be tied on the outside of the glove and secured with adhesive tape to prevent injury to the opponent.
Hand Wraps
- Soft bandages not exceeding two inches (2") in width and no more than thirty (30) yards in length per hand for all weight classes.
- One strip of adhesive tape, not exceeding one and one-half inches (1.5") in width, may be used to secure the bandage around the wrist. Tape shall not extend over the knuckles.
- Gauze and tape must be applied in the dressing room under the supervision of an inspector or the WBO supervisor, and signed off by a representative of the opposing corner.
Attire
- Each contestant shall wear a foul-protector (groin cup) of an approved design, which must be fitted before entering the ring.
- Boxing trunks shall be the primary garment, worn at an appropriate height and not extending below the knees.
- Female contestants shall wear a chest protector in addition to the standard protective equipment.
- Boxing shoes or boots of soft material, with no heels, spikes, buckles, or hard soles, shall be worn. Shoes must be inspected and approved before the contest.
- Mouthguards are mandatory. A properly fitted custom mouthguard is strongly recommended. If a mouthguard is expelled during action, the referee shall call time at the first safe opportunity to have it replaced.
Prohibited Equipment
- Contact lenses are prohibited during championship bouts.
- The use of any unapproved substance on the face, body, or gloves is prohibited. Only a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) may be applied to the face.
- No jewelry, piercings, hair accessories, or any items that could cause injury shall be worn during the contest.
- Beards may be subject to local commission regulations; the WBO defers to the local commission on facial hair requirements.
Section 3: Playing Area
Ring Specifications
WBO championship contests shall be held in a ring that meets the following requirements:
- The ring shall be no less than sixteen feet (16') and no more than twenty feet (20') square inside the ropes. The WBO recommends a ring size of eighteen feet (18') for championship contests.
- The ring floor shall be padded with approved material not less than one inch (1") thick, covered by a canvas stretched tightly and laced securely to the ring platform. The canvas shall be clean and free of any resin, slippery, or foreign substances.
- The ring shall be equipped with four (4) ropes of not less than one inch (1") in diameter, covered with soft material, stretched tightly between the ring posts. Ropes shall be at heights of approximately 18, 30, 42, and 54 inches above the ring floor.
- Ring posts shall be of metal construction, properly padded with protective cushions. Turnbuckles shall be completely covered with protective padding.
- The ring platform shall be elevated no less than three feet (3') and no more than four feet (4') above the floor of the venue, with suitable steps for access on at least two sides.
- A ring apron of not less than two feet (2') in width shall extend beyond the ropes on all sides.
Corner Assignments
- The champion (or the higher-ranked contestant) shall be assigned the red corner; the challenger (or lower-ranked contestant) shall be assigned the blue corner.
- The two remaining neutral corners shall be equipped with padding and shall be clearly designated.
- Each corner shall have a clean water bucket, a spit bucket, and an ice bucket. No other items may be present in the corner area without prior approval from the WBO supervisor.
Section 4: Players & Officials
Weight Divisions
The WBO recognizes seventeen (17) weight divisions for world championship competition:
- Mini Flyweight: up to 105 lbs (47.627 kg)
- Light Flyweight: up to 108 lbs (48.988 kg)
- Flyweight: up to 112 lbs (50.802 kg)
- Super Flyweight: up to 115 lbs (52.163 kg)
- Bantamweight: up to 118 lbs (53.525 kg)
- Super Bantamweight: up to 122 lbs (55.338 kg)
- Featherweight: up to 126 lbs (57.153 kg)
- Super Featherweight: up to 130 lbs (58.967 kg)
- Lightweight: up to 135 lbs (61.235 kg)
- Super Lightweight: up to 140 lbs (63.503 kg)
- Welterweight: up to 147 lbs (66.678 kg)
- Super Welterweight: up to 154 lbs (69.853 kg)
- Middleweight: up to 160 lbs (72.575 kg)
- Super Middleweight: up to 168 lbs (76.204 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: up to 175 lbs (79.379 kg)
- Cruiserweight: up to 200 lbs (90.719 kg)
- Heavyweight: over 200 lbs (90.719 kg), no upper limit
Rankings and Contenders
- The WBO maintains rankings of fifteen (15) contenders in each weight division, determined by an independent WBO World Ratings Committee.
- Rankings are updated monthly based on fighter activity, quality of opposition, recent results, and overall merit. The committee operates independently from the WBO executive and championship committees.
- Regional title holders (WBO Latino, WBO Oriental, WBO Asia-Pacific, WBO Africa, WBO European, WBO International) may earn advancement in the world rankings through successful defenses and quality performances.
- A fighter who has not competed within twelve (12) months may be removed from the rankings at the discretion of the ratings committee.
WBO Super Champion
The WBO may designate a champion as a "Super Champion" when that champion holds titles from multiple major sanctioning bodies (undisputed status) or is recognized as the lineal champion in a weight division. The Super Champion designation provides the following benefits:
- Exemption from immediate mandatory defense obligations, allowing the champion to pursue unification bouts or significant voluntary defenses.
- An interim WBO champion may be established to maintain activity in the division while the Super Champion pursues unification.
- The Super Champion retains priority over the interim champion and may reclaim the regular WBO title upon returning to defend within the division.
Officials
- Referee: One referee shall be assigned to officiate the contest. The referee must be licensed, experienced in championship-level contests, and approved by both the WBO and the local boxing commission. The referee has sole authority to stop the bout, administer counts, and enforce the rules inside the ring.
- Judges: Three (3) judges shall score the contest. Judges must be licensed and approved by both the WBO and the local boxing commission. Judges shall be positioned at separate locations around the ring to ensure independent perspectives.
- WBO Supervisor: A WBO-appointed supervisor shall be present at all WBO championship contests to ensure compliance with WBO rules and regulations. The supervisor serves as the WBO's representative and has authority over all matters relating to the WBO championship.
- Timekeeper: One official timekeeper shall keep time for all rounds and rest intervals. A secondary timekeeper is recommended as a backup.
- Ringside Physician: At least one licensed physician must be present at ringside throughout the contest, with the authority to advise the referee on medical matters and to recommend stoppage.
Seconds (Corner Team)
- Each contestant is permitted a maximum of four (4) seconds, including the chief second (trainer).
- Only one second may be inside the ring during the rest period. All seconds must vacate the ring and the ring apron at the ten-second warning before the start of each round.
- Seconds are prohibited from coaching or providing instructions during the round. Verbal instructions from the corner between rounds are permitted.
Section 5: Rules of Play
Championship Bout Format
- WBO world championship bouts are scheduled for twelve (12) rounds of three (3) minutes each, with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
- Non-title bouts sanctioned by the WBO may be scheduled for fewer rounds as determined by the local commission and agreed upon by both parties.
- The bell shall sound to indicate the beginning and end of each round. No round may be extended beyond three minutes, and the rest interval may not be shortened below one minute.
Weigh-In Procedures
The WBO weigh-in protocol is designed to promote fighter safety and discourage dangerous weight-cutting practices:
- The official weigh-in shall be conducted the day before the scheduled bout, typically between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM local time, at a location designated by the promoter and approved by the WBO.
- Each contestant must make weight on the first attempt. A two (2) hour grace period is permitted for a second attempt if the initial weigh-in is unsuccessful.
- For championship bouts, a second-day weigh-in is conducted on the morning of the fight. Contestants may not exceed a weight gain of more than ten (10) pounds above the division limit at this second weigh-in. This measure is intended to discourage excessive rehydration and protect fighter safety.
- Failure to make weight at the official weigh-in renders the offending contestant ineligible to win the WBO championship. The bout may proceed at a catch weight if both parties agree. Only the contestant who made weight is eligible to win or retain the title.
- Unlike the IBF, which strictly enforces its second-day weigh-in limit, the WBO exercises some discretion in the application of rehydration penalties, taking into account the specific circumstances of each case.
Knockdown Rules
- When a contestant is knocked down, the referee shall immediately begin a mandatory eight-count. The referee must count to eight (8) before allowing the contest to continue, even if the downed contestant rises before the count of eight.
- The WBO does not employ a three-knockdown rule. The referee has sole discretion to determine whether a contestant who has been knocked down multiple times in a single round is fit to continue. This differs from the WBA, which enforces a three-knockdown rule in championship bouts.
- A contestant who is knocked down and fails to rise before the count of ten (10) shall be declared the loser by knockout (KO).
- If both contestants are knocked down simultaneously, the referee shall count for the contestant who remains down. If both remain down, the referee shall count to ten, and if neither rises, the bout shall be scored up to the point of the double knockdown.
- A contestant who is knocked through or out of the ropes shall be given a count of twenty (20) to return to the ring and resume fighting position.
Standing Eight-Count
The standing eight-count has been eliminated from WBO world championship bouts. The referee shall not administer a standing count to a contestant who has not been knocked down. If a contestant is in distress but still standing, the referee must either allow the contest to continue or stop the bout entirely (TKO). This policy aligns the WBO with the IBF on this matter and differs from some regional commissions that still employ the standing eight-count.
Mandatory Title Defense
- The WBO champion must defend the title against the number one (1) ranked contender within nine (9) months of winning or last defending the championship.
- The champion may be permitted one voluntary defense before the mandatory obligation, provided that the voluntary defense is scheduled and completed within a reasonable timeframe and does not unduly delay the mandatory defense.
- Unlike the IBF, which strictly enforces mandatory deadlines, the WBO Championship Committee exercises a degree of discretion in granting extensions, particularly when negotiations for significant bouts (unification or high-profile voluntary defenses) are ongoing. However, the mandatory contender's rights are protected, and unreasonable delays are not tolerated.
- Failure to comply with mandatory defense obligations may result in the champion being stripped of the WBO title and the title being declared vacant.
Champion in Recess
The WBO has a unique "Champion in Recess" provision that allows a reigning champion to take a leave of absence from active competition due to legitimate medical reasons, injury, or other extraordinary circumstances. During the recess period:
- An interim WBO champion may be established through a bout between the top-ranked available contenders.
- The champion in recess retains the right to return and face the interim champion (or the current title holder) upon medical clearance and within a timeframe determined by the WBO Championship Committee.
- This provision distinguishes the WBO from other sanctioning bodies, which typically strip champions who cannot defend within designated timeframes.
Instant Replay
The WBO has been among the first major sanctioning bodies to advocate for the use of instant replay technology in professional boxing. While implementation varies by jurisdiction and the rules of the local boxing commission:
- The WBO encourages the availability of instant replay equipment at championship events to assist officials in reviewing critical moments, such as whether a knockdown was caused by a punch or a slip, and whether fouls occurred.
- The WBO supervisor may request a review of video footage in certain circumstances, though the final decision on any call remains with the referee and judges as determined by local commission rules.
Section 6: Scoring
10-Point Must System
All WBO championship bouts are scored using the 10-Point Must System:
- The winner of each round receives ten (10) points, and the loser receives nine (9) or fewer points.
- In an even round where neither contestant has a clear advantage, the round shall be scored 10-10. However, such scores should be rare, and judges are encouraged to find a winner in each round where possible.
- A round in which one contestant scores a knockdown shall be scored 10-8 in favor of the contestant who scored the knockdown.
- A round in which one contestant scores two knockdowns shall be scored 10-7 in favor of the contestant who scored the knockdowns.
- A round in which a contestant completely dominates without a knockdown may also be scored 10-8 at the judge's discretion.
Judging Criteria
Judges shall evaluate each round based on the following criteria, listed in order of priority:
- Clean punching: Effective punches landed on the scoring area (front and sides of the head, and the body above the belt line). Quality of punches takes precedence over quantity.
- Effective aggressiveness: Pressing the action while landing meaningful punches. Moving forward without landing effective punches does not constitute effective aggressiveness.
- Ring generalship: Control of the pace, tempo, and positioning in the ring. The ability to dictate the terms of engagement and execute a fight plan effectively.
- Defense: The ability to avoid punches through footwork, head movement, blocking, and parrying. Superior defensive skill may serve as a tiebreaker when other criteria are equal.
Decisions
- Unanimous Decision: All three judges score the bout in favor of the same contestant.
- Split Decision: Two judges score the bout for one contestant, and one judge scores it for the other.
- Majority Decision: Two judges score the bout for one contestant, and one judge scores it a draw.
- Unanimous Draw: All three judges score the bout as a draw.
- Split Draw: One judge scores for Contestant A, one judge scores for Contestant B, and one judge scores a draw.
- Majority Draw: Two judges score the bout as a draw, and one judge scores for a contestant.
Cut-Related Decisions
- If a bout is stopped due to an accidental cut before the completion of four (4) rounds, the bout shall be declared a "No Decision" or a technical draw, and the championship status remains unchanged.
- If a bout is stopped due to an accidental cut after the completion of four (4) rounds, the bout shall be decided by a technical decision based on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
- If a bout is stopped due to a cut caused by an intentional foul, the fouling contestant shall lose by disqualification, or the injured contestant shall win by technical decision if the bout has progressed past four completed rounds.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Fouls
The following actions constitute fouls in WBO championship contests:
- Hitting below the belt line, striking the kidneys, or hitting the back of the head or neck (rabbit punches).
- Hitting an opponent who is down or who is in the process of rising from a knockdown.
- Holding and hitting simultaneously, or holding with one hand and striking with the other.
- Butting with the head, shoulders, elbows, or forearms.
- Gouging the eyes, biting, spitting on an opponent, or any unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Hitting with the open glove, the inside of the glove, the wrist, or the backhand.
- Clinching excessively without attempting to throw punches or work out of the clinch.
- Pushing, wrestling, or throwing an opponent.
- Hitting on the break after the referee has called "break" and before stepping back.
- Attacking after the bell has sounded ending the round.
- Using the ropes for leverage to deliver punches.
- Intentionally spitting out the mouthguard to gain a rest period.
- Using abusive or profane language in the ring.
Penalty System
- Warning: The referee may issue a warning for a first offense, without deducting points. The referee shall clearly communicate the warning to both the contestant and the judges.
- Point Deduction: For repeated fouls or a flagrant first offense, the referee shall deduct one or more points from the offending contestant's score. The referee must inform the judges of the exact number of points deducted and the round in which the deduction applies.
- Disqualification: For egregious fouls, repeated intentional fouls, or conduct that endangers the safety of the opponent, the referee may disqualify the offending contestant. Disqualification results in an immediate loss.
Low Blow Recovery
When a contestant is struck with a low blow:
- The referee shall call time and allow the injured contestant up to five (5) minutes to recover.
- If the contestant is unable to continue after the five-minute recovery period, the bout shall be decided based on the scorecards if four (4) or more completed rounds have elapsed, or declared a no contest if the foul occurred before four completed rounds.
- The referee may deduct a point from the offending contestant for a low blow, whether intentional or accidental, at the referee's discretion.
Drugs and Prohibited Substances
The WBO maintains a strict anti-doping policy and strongly endorses the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) clean boxing program:
- Mandatory pre-fight and post-fight drug testing is required for all WBO championship contests. The WBO prefers VADA-administered testing, which includes random out-of-competition testing in the period leading up to the bout.
- The use of any performance-enhancing drug, illegal substance, or banned stimulant before or during a championship contest shall result in disqualification and potential suspension.
- Any substance other than plain water given to a contestant during the course of the bout is prohibited.
- Approved coagulants such as Adrenalin (1/1000) may be used between rounds to treat minor cuts. The use of "iron type" coagulants, such as Monsel's solution, is prohibited.
- A discretionary amount of petroleum jelly may be applied to the face; however, the use of excessive lubricant, grease, or any foreign substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited and shall be grounds for penalty or disqualification.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Pre-Fight Medical Requirements
The WBO requires comprehensive medical documentation and examinations before any championship contest:
- Complete physical examination by a licensed physician within thirty (30) days prior to the bout.
- Current MRI or CT brain scan (within one year for active fighters; required more frequently for fighters over thirty-five years of age).
- Comprehensive eye examination by a licensed ophthalmologist, including dilated retinal examination.
- Blood tests including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C screening.
- Cardiac examination including electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) for all fighters, with echocardiogram or stress testing for fighters over thirty-five (35) years of age.
- Complete blood count (CBC) and metabolic panel within fourteen (14) days prior to the bout.
- Each contestant must be examined by the ringside physician on the day of the bout and certified as fit to compete before entering the ring.
Ringside Medical Coverage
- At least one qualified ringside physician must be present at ringside throughout the entire event. For WBO championship contests, the WBO recommends two ringside physicians.
- An ambulance with emergency medical technicians and appropriate emergency equipment must be present at the venue throughout the contest.
- Emergency evacuation procedures must be established in advance, with a designated hospital identified and on standby for emergency cases.
- The ringside physician has the authority to stop the bout at any time for medical reasons and may advise the referee accordingly. The physician may enter the ring between rounds to examine a contestant at the request of the referee.
- Adequate medical supplies, including oxygen, airway management equipment, and cervical spine immobilization devices, must be available at ringside.
Referee Stoppage (TKO)
The referee shall stop the contest when:
- A contestant is unable to defend themselves intelligently and is absorbing excessive punishment.
- A contestant is being so badly outclassed that continuing the bout would be dangerous to their health.
- A contestant is injured and, in the referee's judgment (with or without the advice of the ringside physician), cannot safely continue.
- A cut is sufficiently severe that it impairs the contestant's vision or poses a risk to the fighter's safety, as assessed by the referee and/or the ringside physician.
- A contestant's corner signals retirement by throwing in the towel or requesting the referee to stop the bout.
Post-Fight Medical Protocols
- Any contestant who has been knocked out (KO) or has received a technical knockout (TKO) due to head blows shall be immediately examined by the ringside physician and transported to a hospital if indicated.
- A contestant who has been knocked out shall be suspended for a minimum of thirty (30) days, with medical clearance required before returning to competition.
- A contestant who has been knocked out in consecutive bouts shall be suspended for a minimum of ninety (90) days, with comprehensive neurological evaluation required before reinstatement.
- Post-fight drug testing shall be conducted in accordance with WBO anti-doping policy and in cooperation with the local boxing commission and VADA.
- The WBO maintains detailed medical records for all fighters competing in WBO-sanctioned championship events.
Regional Title Pathway
The WBO maintains an extensive network of regional titles that serve as a development pathway for aspiring world championship contenders:
- WBO Latino: For fighters primarily based in or from Latin American countries.
- WBO Oriental: For fighters based in or from the Asia-Pacific region.
- WBO Asia-Pacific: A broader regional title encompassing the Asia-Pacific zone.
- WBO Africa: For fighters based in or from African countries.
- WBO European: For fighters based in or from European countries.
- WBO International: An open regional title that may feature fighters from any region.
Regional title holders who compile strong records and defend their titles successfully are eligible for advancement in the WBO world rankings. This system provides a structured and merit-based pathway to world championship contention.
Appeals Process
Any party directly affected by a WBO championship decision may submit an appeal in writing to the WBO Championship Committee within thirty (30) days following the bout. The appeal must include the date, time, and location of the bout; participants' names and weight division; the referee's and judges' names; the WBO supervisor's report; and detailed reasons for the appeal, supported by any available evidence, including video footage. The WBO Championship Committee shall review the appeal and render a decision in accordance with WBO Regulations.
