Key Takeaways
- Boxing Canada is the national governing body as well as the provincial boxing commissions.
- Boxing scores are evaluated using the Mandatory 10-point system, where both competitors' performances are evaluated.
- The Queensberry rules are a set of guidelines accepted as a code of conduct for the good practice of boxing.
- Boxing is primarily organized by gender, with men and women competing in separate categories, categorized by boxing weight classes.
Boxing is an exciting and dynamic sport, and quite possibly one of the coolest workouts you can do. Perhaps it's the thrill of the boxing ring and the lights; maybe it's the image of toughness and grit that the sport represents; or perhaps it's the inspiring history of great boxers like Muhammad Ali, who have mesmerized millions. Whatever it is that has drawn you to the boxing basics, you are sure to find plenty of opportunities to box and stay fit through fighting exercises.
It may surprise many to learn that boxing is an ancient sport and has been depicted in art since the 3rd millennium BC. Boxing became an Olympic sport in 688 BCE, and Roman gladiators fought until the death. In England, boxing fights were recorded since 1681, and while it was an illegal sport, it was quite popular. The English created boxing rules, and most notably, the Queensberry rules became widely adopted.
As you might expect, boxing is an excellent cardiovascular workout that particularly strengthens the upper body. While many people choose to compete and even achieve professional status, others also enjoy boxing basics for fitness reasons. If you are fascinated by boxing and want to learn the basics of the sport, find out your options for learning to box in Canada. Let's take a closer look at how to get started with the boxing basics!
Boxing in Canada - Rules and Regulations
Boxing in today's world is a multibillion-dollar industry, and boxers are athletes who become household names recognized worldwide. Canada has contributed some amazing boxers to the world scene, such as George Chuvalo, Lennox Lewis, Tommy Burns, Arturo Gatti, Sam Langford, and Lucian Bute. Boxing matches are streamed through cable TV or pay-per-view services, with athletes fighting for millions in prize money.
Boxing Canada is the national governing body for the sport, as well as the provincial boxing commissions. Plus, it is also recognized by the Canadian Olympic Boxing Committee. According to Boxing Canada, boxing athletes are divided by experience, gender, and age.
Those who wish to compete will want to know about the various boxing techniques and competitive levels of boxing in Canada. First and foremost, boxing is typically organized by gender, with men and women fighting in separate categories.
Age will also be a factor, and while you can start boxing as early as 6 years old, most junior groupings typically occur during the teenage years. Boxers 19-40 are considered "elite" boxers.
How is Boxing Scored Under the Canadian Commission?
The modern boxing scoring system is known as the Mandatory 10-Point System. Here is a basic overview of how it works:
- Both competitors start the bout with 10 points each, at the end of each round the competitor who has had the most punches landed correctly and the most punches evaded will retain those 10 points.
- The competitor who performs less well in the round will have 1 point subtracted, resulting in a total of 9 points.
- When there is no Knockout by either competitor, the results will be 10-9 (the winner will get 10 points). When both have the same performance, they will both receive 10 points.
- When there is a Knockout, if the 10-second count passes and the fighter does not get up, the fight is considered over, and the opponent wins immediately.
- If both boxers fall during the same round, the deductions cancel each other out, and the score would still be 10-9 in favor of the better boxer.
- The referee may deduct one point or more for infractions or fouls, or may stop the fight in the event of exhaustion on the part of either competitor.
- The judges can also award a 10-10 round if they see no difference between the boxers.
Now, it is also relevant to talk about the Queensberry rules. These are a set of guidelines and boxing basics generally accepted as a code of conduct for the good practice of boxing. In popular culture, this term is also used to refer to a certain sense of fair play. The Queensberry rules became widely adopted in Canada and around the world. According to these boxing Canada rules, boxers were not allowed to punch without gloves, fought with gloves for only 3 minutes at a time, and a "knockout" was declared if a fighter could not get up within 10 seconds.
These 12 boxing Canada rules introduced vital concepts still recognizable today!
| Queensberry Rules (Canada) | Summary of the main rules adapted from the original Marquess of Queensberry Code |
|---|---|
| 1 | The match shall take place in a 24-foot ring, or as close to that size as possible. |
| 2 | No wrestling or clinching is allowed. |
| 3 | Rounds last three minutes, with one minute of rest between rounds. |
| 4 | If a contestant falls, he must rise unaided within 10 seconds. If not, the referee may award victory to the opponent. |
| 5 | A contestant hanging helplessly on the ropes with feet off the ground is considered knocked down. |
| 6 | No seconds or assistants are allowed in the ring during rounds. |
| 7 | If the bout is stopped due to unavoidable interference, the referee will reschedule to finish the match, unless both parties agree to split bets. |
| 8 | Contestants must use new, high-quality boxing gloves of adequate size. |
| 9 | If a glove is torn or comes off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction. |
| 10 | A boxer resting on one knee is considered knocked down and, if struck, has the right to a foul call. |
| 11 | Shoes or boots with springs are prohibited. |
| 12 | All other aspects of the bout are governed by the revised London Prize Ring rules. |
Thinking of jumping into the boxing ring to attack? Make sure you do so safely and follow the boxing Canada rules for beginners.
Boxing Weight Classes in Canada
Boxers are also categorized by boxing weight classes in Canada. Men's and women's weights are as follows:
| Division | Men’s Weight (kg) | Women’s Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Light-Fly | 46–49 | — |
| Fly | 49–52 | 48–51 |
| Bantam | 52–56 | — |
| Light | 56–60 | — |
| Light-Welter | 60–64 | 57–60 |
| Welter | 64–69 | — |
| Middle | 69–75 | — |
| Light-Heavy | 75–81 | 69–75 |
| Heavy | 81–91 | — |
| Super Heavy | 91+ | — |
Boxing Tips for Beginners - Start Your Boxing Journey Right
Novice boxers will want to know exactly how to get started without getting injured. Here are some basic tips to help beginners get started.
Identify your goals
First, identify your goals and what you want to achieve. Are you looking to go amateur? To compete? If this sounds like you, make sure to join a good boxing gym that offers professional boxing weight classes or boxing coaches who can teach you the basics of boxing techniques and help you throw punches better. When you are surrounded by people who know the sport, you will be able to ask the right questions and possibly even work with the best trainer to ensure you are engaging in the sport safely.
Build your fitness
Should your goal happen to be getting fit, you can find cardio boxing training in mainstream gyms, boxing gyms, or even basic exercise videos on YouTube or a fitness app. And remember, you can always revise your goals as needed - perhaps you will eventually make it your goal to compete!
Secondly, make sure to do lots of cardiovascular exercise and build muscle strength, as both are essential. You can take a basic boxing workout training class, run frequently, throw punches, lift weights, or mix up your routine with other types of workouts.
Enjoy the process
Thirdly, have fun! One of the most rewarding aspects of boxing, and really any sport, is that you can enjoy the physical fitness and build a community with the people around you. Learn from your fellow boxers at the gym, get workout and nutrition tips, throw basic punches, and embrace the lifestyle of an athlete.
How young or old should you be to take up boxing? Find out if boxing is right for you.
Do you want to get into boxing in Canada? Learn the basics of professional and amateur boxing weight classes in Canada.
How to Find Boxing Coaches Near Me
Finding the best boxing training is easy thanks to Superprof Canada. On Supeprof, boxing athletes can search for a range of local boxing training options. Use the search tool to find listings of dozens of boxing trainers near you, what their experience is with boxing and coaching, and the best techniques they can offer.
Having a personal trainer on hand can be a valuable investment in your personal fitness and goal-setting. If you have a busy career schedule and want to accelerate your boxing and fitness training in the comfort of your home, or if you are looking to take your fitness and fighting to the next level, you will find personal training to be the best solution.
You can send messages directly through the Superprof site and ask everything you want to know before starting your boxing training or doing a trial lesson. It is even easier to pay your trainer safely through the site. Find professional boxing weight classes on Superprof today and learn how to punch better!
A personal boxing trainer will get to know your physical and mental needs. They will:
- Help you learn basic body moves, such as the jab, left hook, how to throw a clean punch, how to punch your opponent better, and other boxing techniques.
- You will learn how to control your stance and foot placement.
- You will learn how to correct your punching techniques, defend and attack, and ensure that each punch uses your entire body to generate power.
- They will determine which combination and frequency of exercises will help you achieve the shape you want to be in.
Also, if you have anxiety, fears, or any other mental obstacles blocking the way to your goals, a great boxing trainer will support you through them. They can provide valuable insights about the sport from their perspective and help you throw a better punch or improve your defensive moves against your opponent in the ring.
Do you have what it takes to become a boxer? Learn all about career pathways in boxing.
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