Section 7: Violations/Penalties
Illegal Blows and Fouls
The following actions constitute fouls and may result in point deductions or disqualification:
- Hitting below the belt line.
- Hitting an opponent who is down or is rising from a knockdown.
- Holding and hitting simultaneously.
- Holding, locking, or clinching the opponent's arm or head.
- Butting with the head, shoulder, forearm, or elbow.
- Hitting with the open glove, the inside of the glove, the wrist, or the back of the hand.
- Hitting on the back of the head or neck (rabbit punch).
- Hitting on the kidneys (kidney punch).
- Wrestling, throwing, or pushing the opponent.
- Striking while holding the ropes or using the ropes for leverage.
- Intentionally spitting out the mouthguard.
- Biting the opponent.
- Pivoting (spinning) backhand or backfist blows.
- Using abusive or unsportsmanlike language or conduct.
- Hitting after the bell or after the referee orders a break.
- Deliberately falling without being hit to avoid punishment.
Low Blow Rule
It is expressly understood that a championship contest is not to be terminated by the effects of a low blow. The foul protector that must be worn by both contestants is considered sufficient protection. If a contestant, after the referee instructs them to continue, indicates an unwillingness to continue because of a claim of a low blow, the contest shall be terminated and awarded to their opponent.
In case of a foul, the referee shall determine if the fouled contestant can immediately continue or not. If the referee determines that the contestant's chances have been jeopardized as a result of the foul, the referee may order a rest interval of not more than five (5) minutes. The bout shall continue thereafter if the foul was caused by a low blow.
Penalties for Fouls
- Warning: The referee may issue a verbal warning for minor infractions. Warnings do not result in point deductions but are communicated to the judges.
- Point Deduction: Any contestant who deliberately fouls their opponent shall be penalized with a deduction of points. The severity of the foul and its effect on the opponent determine the number of points deducted.
- Disqualification: Severe or repeated fouling may result in disqualification. A contestant who is disqualified loses the bout.
Weight-Rule Violations
A contestant who fails to make the required weight at any checkpoint of the Weight Management Program (see Section 4) is subject to penalties set by the WBC, which may include a warning, a fine, a purse penalty, or withdrawal of WBC sanction for the bout, at the discretion of the WBC.
Drugs and Stimulants
The WBC administers its Clean Boxing Program (CBP) in conjunction with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to promote effective anti-doping practices in boxing. The use of illegal or performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants before or during a championship contest shall be sufficient cause for disqualification.
- Any substance other than plain water given to a contestant during the course of the bout is absolutely prohibited.
- A discretionary amount of lubricant may be used around the eyes; however, the use of lubricants, grease, or any other foreign substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited.
- Approved coagulants such as Adrenalin (1/1000) may be used between rounds to stop bleeding of minor cuts or lacerations.
- The use of "iron type" coagulants, such as Monsel's solution, is absolutely prohibited and shall be grounds for disqualification.
- The WBC encourages all local governing boxing commissions to conduct anti-doping tests before or after the bout.