Which rules in Boxing are in need of change/update?

[gauze]

Modern boxing's been around for over 100 years, and goes back even further to the 16th century. A lot of the rules in use today have been the standard for almost as long. Which rules do you think are in need of change though?

I can think of a few:

Change the maximum number of rounds from 10 to 11 (Non title fights) , and 12 to 13 (title fights). This slightly removes the chance of a draw as professional boxing judges aren't supposed to score rounds a draw. This will guarantee one fighter winning a majority of rounds in close fights.

Making the fight official after four rounds, I would change this to 5 rounds. For the same reason as above.

Some other things I've thought about is change the number of judges from 3 to 5. Adding more judges increases the sample size of scores and gives you a clearer picture of what actually happened.

None of these things remove the real problems in boxing, but it would modernize the sport a bit

draws aren't really that big of a deal. how many big fights end in a draw?? when they do, it's usually because of knockdowns or point deductions.

making fights "official" after any amount of rounds means nothing. the guy that's losing, if he's cut, will quit to get the technical draw or decision in his favor. a bad cut is what it is. if it's bad enough to end the fight, so be it.

adding more judges just means more little brown bags. the remedy for this is for promoters to not be paying the judges. but if the promoter isn't paying, then who is? tax money?
$port$

[gauze]

Standardizing ring size to 18’ x 18’.

agreed. there should be a standard ring size that's non-negotiable

[Toffee]

Same day weigh ins and fewer classifications.

The 'weight game' has become almost as important as any other skill in boxing.

Just have guys fighting at a similar size and at their prime weight.

[Eff Pandas]

Same day weigh ins and fewer classifications.

The 'weight game' has become almost as important as any other skill in boxing.

Just have guys fighting at a similar size and at their prime weight.

I don't like same day weigh ins. I think the science says it'll result in more severe injuries & deaths & we definitely had more severe injuries & deaths when that was the standard. Idr all the specifics of the science but its something like cutting weight dries out/reduces the liquid around ones brain which puts the brain at greater risk of injury. I think its a net negative to go back to same day weigh ins.

I am for some weight rule changes tho. I wouldn't be opposed to a gravity hydration test like they do in ONE FC, after one of their fighters died, & like they do in HS + college wrestling to insure you've safely made weight. I also think there should be a determined safe weight range given to any pro boxer in general. That'd save us from seeing these bad representatives of pro boxing enter the ring looking like an out of shape dad in his backyard with his shirt off about to cut grass.

[BodyBagz]

What good are rules if they are not enforced

[sargo]

Change the 10-9 must. If draw, score it a draw. If dominant give the 10-8 even without a knockdown. Odd total number of rounds. Take away bull**** language - Runner wins because of “ring generalship”. Just give the round to who hurt the other guy more.

[Dr. Z]

Modern boxing's been around for over 100 years, and goes back even further to the 16th century. A lot of the rules in use today have been the standard for almost as long. Which rules do you think are in need of change though?

I can think of a few:

Change the maximum number of rounds from 10 to 11 (Non title fights) , and 12 to 13 (title fights). This slightly removes the chance of a draw as professional boxing judges aren't supposed to score rounds a draw. This will guarantee one fighter winning a majority of rounds in close fights.

Making the fight official after four rounds, I would change this to 5 rounds. For the same reason as above.

Some other things I've thought about is change the number of judges from 3 to 5. Adding more judges increases the sample size of scores and gives you a clearer picture of what actually happened.

None of these things remove the real problems in boxing, but it would modernize the sport a bit

15 round for title unification fights! A special occasion.

I am for 5 judges in fights that are important. With the punch stats shown to the judges before in-between round to help out with crooked scoring.

[Pac=Duran]

1. Scoring criteria in general. Squeaking 7/12 rounds while getting almost blasted out in a few of them shouldn't result in a win for the point fighter.

Technically Garcia vs Haney was close due to the round by round system, but Ryan molly whooped him.

Damage should could for a lot more than it does.

2. No fighter should ever have judges/refs from their home country. All other major international sports make sure this doesnt happen.

3. There should be more point deductions for gratuitous holding/hugging. It's a joke and ruins the spectacle of the fight.

4. A fight should be stopped after 2 knockdowns. MMA fighters take way less damage because partly because submissions are a source of a lot of stoppages but mainly because refs will jump in and stop a fight if a guy has been knocked down hard and is taking a pounding on the ground. This isn't possible in boxing but we shouldn't really allow a guy to get up from 4 KDs and keep fighting. Too much potential damaged.

5. There should be rankings that need to be followed. Ducking and swerving fights should never be allowed. No more bidniz men in this sport please.

[joesaiditstrue]

we should submit these to Teddy Atlas for his petition on judging. the whole sport needs revamped, not just the judging/accountability factor

[Spray_resistant]

My main issue is just clearly bad decisions like Barboza vs McComb, there should be a standard way to review and overturn situations like that since there is no justification by any judging criteria how Barboza could have won in this case.