Significance Of Ring Size

[Willie Pep 229]

In the lead-up to their 1927 rematch, Tunney successfully negotiated for a 20-foot ring, despite Dempsey's preference for an 18-foot ring. This larger ring size was advantageous for Tunney's strategy of maintaining distance and utilizing his footwork to outmaneuver Dempsey.

[JAB5239]

In the 2021 fight between Billy Joe Saunders and Canelo Alvarez, Saunders' camp initially demanded a 22-foot ring, while Canelo’s team proposed an 18-foot ring. The issue became a significant public dispute, ultimately resolved with a 20-foot ring after negotiations.

Certainly there are instances where boxings "power brokers" will dictate as they please (ring size, gloves etc.) But more times than not it's the org or state commission that controls these things. What I am a little hazy about is whether they have a standard size ring or several different sized rings. I doubt any state commission would ever use a 16' foot ring again, and I haven't heard of a 22' ring being used since Leonard-Hagler. Say you have a card where it all lightweights and below with maybe a lightheavyweight fight somewhere in the mix....do they use the smaller ring or standard 3
20'?

[Dr Z]

Certainly there are instances where boxings "power brokers" will dictate as they please (ring size, gloves etc.) But more times than not it's the org or state commission that controls these things. What I am a little hazy about is whether they have a standard size ring or several different sized rings. I doubt any state commission would ever use a 16' foot ring again, and I haven't heard of a 22' ring being used since Leonard-Hagler. Say you have a card where it all lightweights and below with maybe a lightheavyweight fight somewhere in the mix....do they use the smaller ring or standard 3
20'?

The promoters can rig the commission that controls things like Ring Size, Gloves allowed by fighters, even ref's that are biased. The fighters really don't care as long as they are paid a good amount of money.

[Willie Pep 229]

Certainly there are instances where boxings "power brokers" will dictate as they please (ring size, gloves etc.) But more times than not it's the org or state commission that controls these things. What I am a little hazy about is whether they have a standard size ring or several different sized rings. I doubt any state commission would ever use a 16' foot ring again, and I haven't heard of a 22' ring being used since Leonard-Hagler. Say you have a card where it all lightweights and below with maybe a lightheavyweight fight somewhere in the mix....do they use the smaller ring or standard 3
20'?

Me neither actually.

I think . . . Maybe . . .

1. If the fighters have a preference and enough clout, they make the call.

2. If the fighters don't have the clout then the promoter makes the call. He might . . .

A. favor his guy (his fighter)
B. just go with whatever his guy (his regular supplier) has available.

3. Small venue 'smokers' the promoter probably gets what the venue has available and has no say.


I agree, no more 16 foot rings. They probably don't even work well for video presentations.

Here's something I don't know . . . How long are the ropes on one side of a 20 sq ft boxing ring?

[JAB5239]

Me neither actually.

I think . . . Maybe . . .

1. If the fighters have a preference and enough clout, they make the call.

2. If the fighters don't have the clout then the promoter makes the call. He might . . .

A. favor his guy (his fighter)
B. just go with whatever his guy (his regular supplier) has available.

3. Small venue 'smokers' the promoter probably gets what the venue has available and has no say.


I agree, no more 16 foot rings. They probably don't even work well for video presentations.

Here's something I don't know . . . How long are the ropes on one side of a 20 sq ft boxing ring?

I messages Pete Timothy, an old friend who use to be the boxing commissioner for Foxwoods Casino, and is now heads the licensing department for Rhode Island overing judges and referees as I understand it. Will happily pass on anything i learn.

[Bronson66]

Do you know of other ring size anomalies in Rock's career that might have assisted his style? Or were they anomalies at all? Maybe he was 'assisted' regularly this way. Would be interesting thing to know. Did Rock fight in cramped rings more often than average for his times? Probably impossible stuff to know, but maybe here and there a speck of marrow to point a direction. Yet, merely glimpsing the ring sizes for all his championship fights would still have the potential to solve the question more or less thoroughly.

I don't, but the 16ft ring with ****ell is confirmed.

[Mr Mitts]

In the lead-up to their 1927 rematch, Tunney successfully negotiated for a 20-foot ring, despite Dempsey's preference for an 18-foot ring. This larger ring size was advantageous for Tunney's strategy of maintaining distance and utilizing his footwork to outmaneuver Dempsey.

You keep coming up with gold.

[Mr Mitts]

- - That Ring size is almost always part of contract negotiations is all that needs to be said...

See Marv vs Ray Leonard...

If that is all that needs to be said, see ya later.

[Asmodeus]

Certainly there are instances where boxings "power brokers" will dictate as they please (ring size, gloves etc.) But more times than not it's the org or state commission that controls these things. What I am a little hazy about is whether they have a standard size ring or several different sized rings. I doubt any state commission would ever use a 16' foot ring again, and I haven't heard of a 22' ring being used since Leonard-Hagler. Say you have a card where it all lightweights and below with maybe a lightheavyweight fight somewhere in the mix....do they use the smaller ring or standard 3
20'?

lol no. the promoter decides.

[JAB5239]

lol no. the promoter decides.

So you're saying a promoter could essentially have a twelve foot ring if he wanted? Is this correct?