ERA II. The Marquess of Queensberry Rules Era (1867-1875)

The Marquess of Queensberry rules, often referred to as “Queensberry rules” is the code of accepted rules that currently govern the sport of boxing all over the world.  They were written by John Graham Chambers, and published in 1867, however, John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry was the first to publicly endorse the code, which is why they took the name “Marquess of Queensberry”. Although published in 1867, it took a few years for the “New Rules” to be widely accepted.

The Marquess of Queensberry rules are as follows:

1. To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a 24-foot ring, or as near that size as practicable.
2. No wrestling or hugging (clinching) allowed.
3. The rounds to be of three minutes duration and one minute’s time between rounds.
4. If either man falls through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, 10 seconds to be allowed him 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 10 seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his award in favor 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 to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest; so that the match must be won and lost, unless the backers of both 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. That no shoes or boots with spikes or sprigs be allowed.
12. The contest in all other respects to be governed by revised.

The main changes as the Queensbury Rules unfolded were:

1. Contestants wearing padded gloves became more prevalent and the norm as the new Queensbury Rules suggested the use of gloves.

2. While many fights still had an unlimited number of possible Rounds, now a knock down did not have to occur to end a Round. A Round consisted of three minutes of fighting followed by a minute of rest.

3. Any fighter who was knocked down had to get up unaided within 10 seconds—if a fighter was unable to get up, he was declared knocked out, and the fight was over.

4. Upper body wrestling was deemed illegal.

5. During this period the introduction of the first weight divisions also took place.

The game charts for this era will reflect the changes in rules!