If you’re interested in boxing, you need to understand the rules. Fouls are designed to help ensure a fair and safe fight for both sides. Without a clear grasp on these moves, you could negatively impact your results and potentially even get suspended from the ring.

Examples of Fouls

Boxing fouls can be minor, moderate, or serious. Minor fouls, which include actions like showboating or turning your back on your opponent, usually result in a warning. However, you may lose points if you commit more than one.

Moderate fouls like pushing or holding your opponent can result in a loss of points immediately, but you’ll sometimes get a warning first.

Serious fouls include hitting an opponent below the belt or disobeying orders from officials. These can result in a loss of points or even immediate disqualification.

How Referees Handle Fouls

When a foul is committed, the referee will stop the fight to make sure each boxer is safe and issue warnings or penalties. They will explain the foul and the repercussions before the fight begins again.

If you’re the one charged with the foul, avoid making the same mistake going forward, as the penalty will usually get more serious.

How Fouls Affect Scores

If you commit a foul, your opponent will usually receive the equivalent of two extra punches for that round. In other words, if the round is evenly matched and only one boxer commits a foul, the other will win by the point equivalent of two punches. Though each match has different scoring specifics, fouls can make the difference between winning and losing in a close fight.

If you’re interested in learning more about boxing, turn to TM Productions in Honolulu. Tessa Moon, an athletically gifted boxer with over 10 years of experience and an amazing record, offers mentorship, coaching, and fighting opportunities. See more of her boxing profile online, or call (808) 291-7817 to set up a meeting.