The Establishment of Boxing Rules

As I mentioned before, boxing has a long history, during much of which there were no rules. However, in 1743, Jack Broughton, "the Father of Boxing," came up with the first set of rules. After killing his opponent George Stevenson in a boxing match in 1741, he realized that boxing needed to have stricter regulations in order to prevent similar incidents. His rules were:

http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/broughton-jack.htm

"1. That a square of a yard be chalked in the middle of the stage; and on every fresh set-to after a fall, or being parted from the rails, each second is to bring his man to the side of the square, and place him opposite to the other; and till they are fairly set-to at the lines, it shall not be lawful for one to strike at the other.
2. That, in order to prevent any disputes, the time a man lies after a fall, if the second does not bring his man to the side of the square, within the space of half a minute, he shall be deemed a beaten man.

3. That in every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon the stage, except the principals and their seconds; the same rule to be observed in bye-battles, except that in the latter, Mr. Broughton is allowed to be upon the stage to keep decorum, and to assist gentlemen in getting to their places; provided always, he does not interfere in the battle: and whoever pretends to infringe these rules, to be turned immediately out of the house. Everybody is to quit the stage as soon as the champions are stripped, before the set-to.
4. That no champion be deemed beaten, unless he fails coming up to the line in the limited time: or that his own Second declares him beaten. No second is to be allowed to ask his man's adversary any questions, or advise him to give out.
5. That, in bye-battles, the winning man to have two-thirds of the money given, which shall be publicly divided upon the stage, notwithstanding any private agreements to the contrary.
6. That to prevent disputes, in every main battle, the principals shall, on coming on the stage, choose from among the gentlemen present two umpires, who shall absolutely decide all disputes that may arise about the battle; and if the two umpires cannot agree, the said umpires to choose a third, who is to determine it.
7. That no person is to hit his adversary when he is down, or seize him by the ham, the breeches, or any part below the waist; a man on his knees to be reckoned down."

While not all of these rules are still place, he set the tone for a closer look at boxing regulations; he brought to light the potential dangers of such a sport.

Later, John Sholto Doughlass, "the Patron Saint of boxing," came up with boxing rules, much of which we continue to use today. The 12 rules he came up with were:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Douglas,_9th_Marquess_of_Queensberry

"1. To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a twenty-four foot ring or as near that size as practicable.

2. No wrestling or hugging allowed.

3. The rounds to be of three minutes duration and one minute time between rounds.

4. If either man fall through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, ten seconds be allowed to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner; and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the ten seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his awart in favour of the other man.

5. A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down.

6. No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.

7. Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee (is) to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest, to that the match can be won and lost, unless the backers of the men agree to draw the stakes.

8. The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new.

9. Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee's satisfaction.

10. A man on one knee is considered down, and if struck is entitled to the stakes.

11. No shoes or boots with springs allowed.

12. The contest in all other respects to be governed by the revised rules of the London Prize Ring."

As you can see, many of these rules still apply to present-day boxing matches. Thus, these two men paved the way towards establishing a safer, but still intense, sport. 

Sources:

-http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Boxing/About-Us/History-of-Amateur-Boxing

-http://nipperpatdaly.co.uk/rulesofboxinghistory.htm

-http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring03/bueneventura/history.htm

-http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/broughton-jack.htm