Unified Rules for All UBC World & Intercontinental Championship Bouts
*Effective since 2006 | Enforced by President Luis Bello-Diaz & UBC Championship Committee*
Section 1: Bout Duration & Structure
| Category | Rounds | Round Duration | Rest Between Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men (World & Intercontinental) | 12 | 3 minutes | 1 minute |
| Women (World Championship) | 10 | 2 minutes | 1 minute |
The referee is the only person authorized to stop the fight.
Three judges score all rounds.
Scoring system: Ten (10) Point Must System (winner of round receives 10 points, loser proportionately less; even round gives both boxers 10 points).
Score cards are picked up after each round. The tally is made by the local Commissioner and the UBC Representative.
Section 2: Knockdown & Knockout Rules
| Rule | Application |
|---|---|
| Mandatory eight (8) count | Required after every knockdown |
| Standing eight (8) count | NOT used |
| Three (3) knockdown rule | NOT in effect (referee uses discretion; see Section 2.5) |
| The bell | Does NOT save a boxer in any round. If a boxer is downed just before the bell, the referee's count continues, and the bell will not ring until the boxer rises and his/her hands clear the floor. |
2.1 Definition of "Down"
A boxer is deemed down when any part of their body except their feet is on the floor, or when hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal blow (determined solely by the referee).
2.2 Procedure After Knockdown
The referee orders the standing contestant to the farthest neutral corner and begins the audible count, motioning with the right arm downward each second.
If the standing contestant leaves the corner before the count is completed, the referee discontinues the count, orders them back, and resumes only after they have returned.
If the downed boxer is still down when the referee calls "ten (10)," the referee waves both arms to indicate a knockout.
2.3 Boxer Thrown Through or Off the Ring Platform
If a boxer is thrown through the ropes or off the ring platform as a result of a fair blow:
The count shall be twenty (20) seconds instead of ten (10).
No person may help the boxer return to the ring.
2.4 Knockdown Timekeeper
When a knockdown occurs, the knockdown timekeeper's count commences and is then picked up by the referee. Once the referee is in control, the knockdown timer ceases counting.
2.5 Three Knockdowns in One Round
Three (3) knockdowns in any one round does not automatically terminate the fight. If, in the referee's keen and incisive judgment, the knockdowns have been indecisive with no injurious effect upon the boxer, the contest may continue. The boxer's welfare is always paramount.
Section 3: Low Blows & Fouls
3.1 Low Blows
It is expressly understood that a championship contest will not be terminated by a low blow. The protective cup required for both contestants is considered sufficient protection.
A fighter hit with a low blow must continue after a rest period of five (5) minutes or less as determined by the referee. If the injured fighter cannot continue, the offender loses by disqualification.
If a fighter refuses to continue after a low blow, the referee awards the contest to the opponent.
3.2 Intentional Fouls
Point deductions are mandatory.
The referee notifies the authorities and deducts point(s) from the offender.
If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is stopped in a later round:
Technical Decision for the injured boxer if ahead on scorecards
Technical Draw if the injured boxer is behind or even on scorecards
If a boxer injures themselves while intentionally attempting to foul an opponent: the referee takes no action in their favor, and the injury is treated as if produced by a fair blow.
3.3 Accidental Fouls
If a fight is stopped immediately due to an accidental foul before four (4) completed rounds: Technical Draw
If stopped after four (4) completed rounds: Technical Decision awarded to the boxer ahead on the scorecards at the time of stoppage
Note: Partial or incomplete rounds are not scored. However, any point deductions occurring during a partial round will be deducted from the final score.
3.4 General Foul Penalties
Any contestant who deliberately fouls an opponent will be penalized with loss of points or disqualification, depending on the severity of the foul and its effect upon the opponent.
Section 4: Injuries (Cuts)
| Cause of Injury | Outcome if Bout Cannot Continue |
|---|---|
| Fair blow | Injured boxer loses by TKO |
| Intentional foul (immediate stoppage) | Offender loses by disqualification |
| Intentional foul (later stoppage after continuation) | Technical Decision (if injured boxer ahead) or Technical Draw (if behind or even) |
| Boxer injures self while attempting to foul opponent | Treated as fair blow (no favor to the offender) |
If an intentional foul causes a cut but the bout continues, the referee deducts points and notifies the judges, Commissioner, and UBC Representative that the cut was produced by an intentional foul.
Section 5: Weigh-In Ceremonies
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time window | Not more than 24 hours, not less than 12 hours before the fight |
| Location | Selected by the local Commission |
| Grace period | Two (2) hours to make weight after official weigh-in time |
| Champion fails weight | Title declared vacant; bout may continue as non-title |
| Challenger fails weight | Champion cannot lose title regardless of outcome |
| Both fail weight | Non-title bout |
Both champion and challenger may check their weight on the official scales two (2) hours prior to official weigh-in time.
Official scales must be checked by a local department of weights and measures prior to weigh-in ceremonies. The local Commission is responsible for scale security.
Section 6: Gloves & Bandages
6.1 Glove Weight
| Weight Class | Glove Weight |
|---|---|
| 105 – 154 lbs | 8 oz |
| 155 lbs and above | 10 oz |
Gloves must be name brand with an attached thumb and approved by the local commission.
6.2 Bandages
| Weight Class | Gauze | Surgeon's Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 154 lbs | 10 yards (max 2" wide) | 6 feet (1" wide) |
| Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight, Super Cruiserweight, Heavyweight | 12 yards (max 2" wide) | 8 feet (1" wide) |
Restriction: Surgeon's tape must not be applied within one (1) inch of the knuckles.
Section 7: Mouthpieces
Mandatory for all boxers.
The fight cannot begin without the mouthpiece.
If a boxer loses their mouthpiece during a round, they must continue without it. However, no round may start without the mouthpiece being in place.
The referee will replace the mouthpiece at the most convenient moment, according to their judgment.
The referee may deduct points if a boxer intentionally ejects their mouthpiece.
Section 8: Drugs, Stimulants & Anti-Doping
8.1 Prohibited Substances During Bout
Smelling salts, ammonia capsules, or similar irritants
Any substance other than plain water (absolutely prohibited)
Vaseline, grease, or any other substance on the arms, legs, or body (vaseline allowed only around the eyes, at the referee's discretion)
8.2 Approved Coagulants
Adrenaline 1:1000
Avitene
Thrombin
Any others must be approved by the Ringside Physician, local Commission, and UBC Representative.
Monsel's solution and any iron-base or iron-type coagulants are absolutely prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
8.3 Post-Fight Anti-Doping (Urinalysis)
Mandatory for each boxer immediately following the bout.
Specimen taken with Ringside Physician and Commission Inspector present.
Collected in a plastic container, properly marked by the physician and boxer.
Divided into two bottles: Bottle #1 submitted to the laboratory.
If positive, all parties are notified, and a second test is conducted at a laboratory selected by the boxer and local Commission. A second positive result results in disciplinary action.
8.4 Drugs Tested For
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Narcotics | Methadone, Morphine, Meperidine, Propoxyphene, Codeine |
| Stimulants | Cocaine, D-Amphetamine |
| Depressants | Barbiturates, Glutethimide, Chlorpromazine |
| Other | Quinine, Marijuana (as Tetrahydrocannabinol), Anabolic Steroids, Pain Killers |
Section 9: Referee
The referee exercises immediate authority, direction, and control over the contest.
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Determine fouls | Sole authority to determine if injuries were produced by a foul |
| Determine intentional fouls | Sole authority to determine intentional fouls and deduct points |
| Stop the contest | May stop at any stage if too one-sided or if a boxer risks serious injury |
| Consult ringside physician | May stop the contest to consult on whether the bout should continue |
The referee may stop the contest and render a decision at any stage.
Section 10: Ringside Physician
May enter the ring between rounds on their own judgment and shall inform the referee of their opinion.
May enter the ring during a round at the request of the referee.
Section 11: UBC Representative – Duties & Responsibilities
For every UBC World or Intercontinental championship contest, a designated UBC Representative shall:
Contact the promoter and chairman of the local commission as soon as possible after arriving at the fight site.
Attend all press conferences, pre-fight meetings, and official commission meetings prior to the fight.
Conduct official weigh-ins in conjunction with local commissioners or their duly appointed representative.
Ensure that all UBC championship rules are in full force throughout the contest.
Within seventy-two (72) hours following the contest, submit a written report to both the President and the Chairman of the Championship Committee.
The UBC Representative must set forth an exemplary example of conduct and boxing knowledge, giving credibility to the association. They are expected to provide guidance and counsel on all matters pertaining to boxing and boxing championships.
Section 12: Ten Basic Rules – Enforced at All UBC Championship Contests
| # | Rule |
|---|---|
| 1 | Each UBC bout is twelve (12) rounds duration. Rounds are three minutes with one minute rest. |
| 2 | (Repeat of #1 – applies to both World and Intercontinental) |
| 3 | There will be no standing eight (8) count. |
| 4 | A boxer sustaining a knockdown receives a mandatory eight (8) count. It is the referee's judgment whether the downed boxer was hit by a punch, pushed, or slipped. |
| 5 | Should a knockdown occur, the referee continues the count through the bell in each round. |
| 6 | Gloves: 105–154 lbs = 8 oz; 155 lbs and over = 10 oz. Gloves must be name brand with attached thumb and approved by the local commission. |
| 7 | Coagulants: Adrenaline 1:1000, Avitene, Thrombin, and others approved by competent boxing medical authority and the ringside physician. Monsel or any iron-base solution is absolutely prohibited. |
| 8 | Official weigh-ins: Not less than 12 hours, not more than 24 hours before the fight. Both boxers may check their weight two (2) hours prior. Scales checked by local weights and measures department. |
| 9 | Scoring: Ten (10) Point Must System. Individual round tabs used by judges, picked up by the referee, and deposited with the commission after each round. |
| 10 | Officials: A non-scoring referee and three (3) scoring judges. |
Section 13: Available UBC Titles
| Title |
|---|
| World |
| International |
| Intercontinental |
| Continental (Africa, Europe, America, Asia, etc.) |
| Youths |
Women are invited to contest any title and weight division as long as they meet UBC title criteria.
Section 14: Sanctioning & Title Bout Inquiries
Sanctioning Requirement: All title fights must be booked and paid at least thirty (30) days in advance of the bout date to meet UBC sanctioning requirements.
How to Organize a UBC Title Bout:
Promoters, managers, and trainers should contact UBC for approval.
All applicants will then be directed to their relevant UBC General Coordinator within their region of the world.
Legal Notice: Any legitimate inquiries are invited. Any other boxing sanctioning body using the UBC name without authorization is trading outside registered trademark regulations and is liable for prosecution.
These Unified Rules apply to all UBC World and Intercontinental Championship bouts. The UBC reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary, with proper notification to all stakeholders.
UBC: Building Champions. Protecting Fighters. Uniting Boxing.
| Youths |
Women are invited to contest any title and weight division as long as they meet UBC title criteria.
Section 14: Sanctioning & Title Bout Inquiries
Sanctioning Requirement: All title fights must be booked and paid at least thirty (30) days in advance of the bout date to meet UBC sanctioning requirements.
How to Organize a UBC Title Bout:
Promoters, managers, and trainers should contact UBC for approval.
All applicants will then be directed to their relevant UBC General Coordinator within their region of the world.
Legal Notice: Any legitimate inquiries are invited. Any other boxing sanctioning body using the UBC name without authorization is trading outside registered trademark regulations and is liable for prosecution.
These Unified Rules apply to all UBC World and Intercontinental Championship bouts. The UBC reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary, with proper notification to all stakeholders.
UBC: Building Champions. Protecting Fighters. Uniting Boxing.
| Youths |
Women are invited to contest any title and weight division as long as they meet UBC title criteria.
Section 14: Sanctioning & Title Bout Inquiries
Sanctioning Requirement: All title fights must be booked and paid at least thirty (30) days in advance of the bout date to meet UBC sanctioning requirements.
How to Organize a UBC Title Bout:
Promoters, managers, and trainers should contact UBC for approval.
All applicants will then be directed to their relevant UBC General Coordinator within their region of the world.
Legal Notice: Any legitimate inquiries are invited. Any other boxing sanctioning body using the UBC name without authorization is trading outside registered trademark regulations and is liable for prosecution.
These Unified Rules apply to all UBC World and Intercontinental Championship bouts. The UBC reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary, with proper notification to all stakeholders.
UBC: Building Champions. Protecting Fighters. Uniting Boxing.