Section 3: Playing Area
The Ring
All WBC championship contests must be conducted in a regulation boxing ring that meets the following specifications:
- Ring Size: The ring shall be no less than sixteen feet (16') square and no more than twenty-four feet (24') square within the ropes. For WBC championship bouts, a minimum of eighteen feet (18') and a recommended size of twenty feet (20') is required.
- Ring Floor: The ring platform shall be no less than three feet (3') and no more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building. The floor shall be padded with ensolite or similar closed-cell foam not less than one inch (1") thick, covered with canvas stretched taut and laced to the ring platform.
- Ring Posts: The ring shall have four corner posts, each extending not less than fifty-eight inches (58") above the ring floor, properly padded with protective padding not less than six inches (6") in diameter.
- Ropes: The ring shall have four (4) horizontal ropes, not less than one inch (1") in diameter, wrapped in soft material. The ropes shall be eighteen inches (18"), thirty inches (30"), forty-two inches (42"), and fifty-four inches (54") above the ring floor.
- Ring Steps: Steps shall be provided at each of at least two diagonally opposite corners. Each set of steps shall be not less than twenty-four inches (24") wide.
Neutral Corners
Two of the four corners of the ring are designated as neutral corners. The neutral corners are the two corners not assigned to either contestant. In the event of a knockdown, the referee shall order the standing contestant to retreat to the farthest neutral corner before commencing the count.
Ring Lighting
The ring area must be adequately illuminated so that spectators and officials can observe the contest clearly. Lighting shall be positioned to avoid blinding the contestants, officials, or judges.
Ring Apron
The ring apron (the area of the ring platform outside the ropes) shall extend no less than two feet (2') beyond the ropes on all sides. The apron must be covered with the same canvas material as the interior of the ring.