Marquess of Queensberry Rules
The first boxing code to require gloves.
The Marquess of Queensberry Rules are a set of regulations for boxing, drafted in London in 1865 and published in 1867. They are notable for being the first code to mandate the use of gloves. The rules are named after John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry, who publicly endorsed them.
History
John Graham Chambers, a Welshman from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, wrote the boxing code in London in 1865, and it was published in 1867 as "the Queensberry rules for the sport of boxing." At that time, matches were conducted under the London Prize Ring Rules, written in 1838 and revised in 1853. Bare-knuckle fights under the London Prize Rules continued for several decades, but the Queensberry Rules eventually became the standard governing all boxing matches. The code persuaded boxers that winning must be done by the rules, not by any means. Jem Mace, a former English heavyweight champion, fought under these rules in 1876, defeating Bill Davis in Virginia City, Nevada, and his enthusiasm for gloved fighting helped popularize the Queensberry rules. Amateur boxing also adopted the rules; the Amateur Boxing Association formed in Britain in 1880, staging its first official amateur championships the following year. The Amateur Athletic Union of the US formed in 1888 and instituted its annual boxing championships that same year.
Rules
The Marquess of Queensberry Rules govern a stand-up boxing match held in a ring that should be 24 feet across, or as close to that size as possible. Wrestling moves are not permitted. Each round lasts three minutes, with a one-minute rest period in between. If a boxer falls, whether from weakness or any other cause, he must get up on his own. The other fighter must go to his corner, and the fallen man has ten seconds to rise. If he does not return to the center line within that count, the referee can decide the match in favor of the other man. A boxer who is hanging helplessly on the ropes with his feet off the ground is considered down. No seconds or other people may enter the ring during a round. If the contest is interrupted by something unavoidable, the referee will set a time and place to finish it, so the match must have a winner unless both sides agree to call it a draw. The gloves must be new, of good quality, and a fair size. If a glove breaks or comes off, it must be replaced to the referee's satisfaction. A fighter on one knee is considered down, and if he is struck while in that position, he is entitled to the stakes. Shoes or boots with spikes or wire nails are forbidden. For all other matters, the revised London Prize Ring Rules apply.
More in Boxing Rules and Regulations
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced