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Marquess of Queensberry Rules of Boxing

MARQUESS OF QUEENSBERRY RULES – 1865, 1867

Marquess of Queensberry Rules, code of rules that most directly influenced modern boxing. Written by John Graham Chambers, a member of the British Amateur Athletic Club, the rules were first published in 1867 under the sponsorship of John Sholto Douglas, ninth marquess of Queensberry, from whom they take their name.

John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry (July 20, 1844 – January 31, 1900) was a Scottish nobleman, remembered for his atheism, his outspoken views, his brutish manner, for lending his name to the “Queensberry Rules  that form the basis of modern boxing.

The rules are as follows:

Rule 1—To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a 24-foot ring, or as near that size as practicable.

Rule 2—No wrestling or hugging allowed.

Rule 3—The rounds to be of three minutes’ duration, and one minute’s time between rounds.

Rule 4—If either man falls through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, 10 seconds to be allowed him to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner, and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the 10 seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his award in favour of the other man.

Rule 5—A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down.

Rule 6—No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.

Rule 7—Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest; so that the match must be won and lost, unless the backers of both men agree to draw the stakes.

Rule 8—The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new.

Rule 9—Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction.

Rule 10—A man on one knee is considered down and if struck is entitled to the stakes.

Rule 11—No shoes or boots with springs allowed.

Rule 12—The contest in all other respects to be governed by revised rules of the London Prize Ring.  See London Prize Ring Rules.

 

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London Prize Ring Rules of Boxing

The London Prize Ring Rules – 1838, 1853

 

The Broughton Rules of boxing were universally recognized until 1838   when the British Pugilists’ Protective Association introduced the London Prize Ring Rules. The London Rules expanded Broughton’s original seven rules to twenty and after further revision in 1853 to twenty-nine. The key changes are listed below.

1.     The ‘scratch’ replaced Broughton’s ‘square of a yard’ chalked in the middle of the stage.

2.     After the 30-second rest between rounds, and the umpire’s call of ‘time,’    each man is required to walk to the scratch unaided and was allowed eight seconds to do so. (This was instituted to prevent a boxers second from carrying the fighter to the scratch line who were, in reality, unable to continue).

3.     Greater attention to the fighters dress’ particularly limiting spikes on shoes.

4.     A man willfully going down without a blow is disqualified.

5.     Fouls such as butting, gouging, biting, scratching, kicking, use of stones, etc. in the hand, squeezing on the ropes, were set out fully, though wrestling is permitted.

6.     Provisions were made regarding wagers in the event of postponements, cancellations, and interference by the law or darkness, boxers quitting the ring and other unforeseen circumstances.

7.     The fight ended when one of the men failed to come to scratch in time.

The London rules would govern bare-knuckle boxing until the Queensbury Rules in 1867 ushered in the modern, gloved era. The last bare-knuckle heavyweight title bout under the London Prize Ring Rules was July 8, 1889 when John L. Sullivan defeated Jake Kilrain in 75-rounds.

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Broughton’s Rules of Boxing

Broughton Rules of Boxing

History recorded the impetus behind Broughton’s desire to write Rules of Boxing was a direct result of a bout he had in which Broughton’s opponent was killed. He defeated George Stevenson April 24, 1744 and beat him so badly, Stevenson’s died a month later as a result of his injuries. Recently, that claim has been disputed due to the fact London Newspapers reported George Stevenson in a subsequent bout with Anthony Jones in 1745.

One theory for Broughton formulating his rules was to regulate the outcome of contests thereby encouraging the support of gamblers, wealthy patrons and merchants. Broughton was himself backed by the Duke of Cumberland (son of the king). Broughton introduced the boxing glove called “mufflers” for that reason. They were offered as added protection to royalty studying self-defense at the Broughton Amphitheater..

Broughton is also credited with introducing scientific methods into the sport. He taught deferent methods of punching such as Milling on a retreat whereby a fighter retreats in position to lure his opponent into a trap. Then he quickly executes a direct counter-attack punch to increase the impact of the strike three-fold.

On August 16, 1743, Broughton’s seven rules of boxing were printed and framed at his amphitheater in London.

1.      That a square of a yard be chalked in the middle of the stage; and every fresh set-to after a fall, or being parted from the rails, each second is to bring his man to the square and place him opposite to the other; and till they are fairly set-to at the lines, it shall not be lawful for one to strike the other.

2.     That in order to prevent any disputes as to the time a man lies after a fall, if the second does not bring his man to the side of the square within the space of half a minute he shall be deemed a beaten man.

3.     That, in every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon texcept the principals and their seconds; the same rule to be observed in the bye-battles, except that in the latter Mr. Broughton is allowed to be upon the stage to keep decorum, and to assist gentlemen in getting to their places; provided always he does not interfere in the battle; and whoever presumes to infringe these rules to be turned immediately out of the house. Everybody is to quit the stage as soon as the champions are stripped, before they set-to.

4.     That no champion be deemed beaten, unless he falls coming up to the line in the limited time; or that his own second declares him beaten. No second is to be allowed to ask his man’s adversary any questions or advise him to give out.

5.      That in the bye-battles, the winning man to have two-thirds of the money given, which shall be publicly divided upon the stage, notwithstanding any private agreement to the contrary.

6.      That to prevent disputes, in every main battle, the principals shall, on the coming on the stage, choose from among the gentlemen present two umpires, who shall absolutely decided all disputes that may arise about the battle; and if the two umpires cannot agree, the said umpires to choose a third, who is to determine it.

7.      That no person is to hit his adversary when he is down, or seize him by the ham, the breeches, or any part below the waist; a man on his knees to be reckoned down.

Broughton’s seven rules were regarded as definitive for about 100 years and they served as “statutes of the Ring until 1838.” At that time, his rules were superseded by new rules, called the “London Prize Ring Rules” that underwent modifications in 1843, 1853, and 1864.

The London Prize Ring Rules also “introduced measures that remain in effect for professional boxing to this day, such as outlawing butting, gouging, scratching, kicking, hitting a man while down, holding the ropes, and using resin, stones or hard objects in the hands, and biting.”