Amateur Boxing Rules in Colorado
- The Sweet Science, in the amateur circuit.boxe direct-faciale image by B-Decenci?¡§re from Fotolia.com
Throughout America's history, Americans have loved and idolized boxing's finest, including Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. A majority of the states regulate and sanction Boxing, both in the professional and amateur ranks. Every state has its own commission and rules, including Colorado. In Colorado, the Department of Regulatory Agencies oversees and publishes the rules for amateur boxing. - With the exception of parent-approved waivers, the Department declares that a contestant must be at least 18 years old, and weigh a minimum of 105 pounds. Colorado recognizes 16 different weight classes, including Junior Flyweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight, Super Middleweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight. For each weight class, the Department allows a fighter to exceed five pounds in weight. If a fighter cannot make the allowed weight, the Colorado State Boxing Commission immediately disqualifies the contestant from competition.
- Examinations are mandatory.physician examination table image by palms from Fotolia.com
Before a boxer enters the ring, the fighter must meet physical and visual standards. According to the Department, Colorado requires at least 30 days of training for a fight. The Department states that physicians must assess the boxers' physical condition at least 14 days before the event. A physician will disqualify any fighter who does not attend the mandatory assessment. In addition, a physician can suspend the boxer from competition, if the competitor has visual problems. The Department includes history of retinal tear, glaucoma, aphakia and visual acuity less than 20/60 as examples of vision problems. - The Department requires a properly-fitted mouth guard for all competitors, as well as a groin protector for male contestants. The Department also demands that promoters provide each athlete with stools, water buckets, 16-ounce gloves and tape for hand wraps. Most importantly, the Department requires a 16- to 25-square-feet ring.
- All fights are contested at a maximum of three, 3-minute rounds. All fights end via knock out, three knock downs within one round, doctor or referee stoppage. During the fight, the Department requires timekeepers to provide a warning 10 seconds before a round's beginning and end.
- Female competitors compete under the same rules, but have different equipment standards. The Department requires a well-fitted breast protector for all female competitors, as well as a properly fitted mouth guard. In addition, female competitors must secure their hair, but they cannot use hairpins or hairnets. The Department explains that a female's hair cannot contain mousse, gel or spray during the fight.
