Boxing/Holding during a fight
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Question
I have been a boxing fan for 31 years and it still amazes me the amount of holding that goes on in a fight. Is holding illegal during a boxing match. If so, why wouldn't a referee treat holding as though it is a low blow or a head butts? If this occurred, it would be a lot better for the fans.
Hi Blake.
"Holding" is usually not allowed in a boxing match, and is mentioned as such in the rules ( see this link)
http://www.coach4you.co.uk/sports-boxing-rules.php
http://doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/sports/Boxing_Rules.html
Professional rules don't seem to be as specific on the subject, but remember, professional rules can differ by state, country and licensing bodies. Holding is usually disallowed and frowned on by the fans, and points can often be deducted for too much of it, but - that is the problem. "Too much of it" is left up to the discression of the referee, and no match maker, sanctioning organization, casino owner or fight fan, wants the referee interfering, and perhaps cancelling a fight due to "infractions". Tired Boxers will hold out of exhaustion, and it is even a good move to "tie up" a stronger or more fit opponent. I imagine if a referee stopped too many fights or started deducting lots of points for holding, to the points that the fans yell "come on, ref! let 'em fight!" than that referee won't get many fights. A true sports fan does not want the referee interfering with the outcome, - in Boxing, basketball, football or any other sport. Remember, a tired, "holding" boxer is NOT scoring points or throwing punches, so he is probably losing that round. Ultimately, his holding will come back to hurt his scorecard.
thanks for your question, and I hope this helps.
Alan Kahn
author,The Speed Bag Bible
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Great answer. That is why we need uniformity in boxing. So it is not different in every state. But I would like to add something...I understand discretion of the ref and of course the ref should let them fight. Remember, that is why I want the holding to stop, so I can actually see them fight. I am not talking about those instances when it does not allow them to fight. The ref in the Mayweather v Hatton fight was disgraceful and did not let them fight. I am talking about when holding is clearly apart of the fighter's game plan and it prevents one fighter from fighting. Then, if the fighter that is not holding, throws the fighter to the canvas or tries an elbow, then he would be penalized, yet the holding would not, or maybe he would be warned after the 15th hold. | ||
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Alan Kahn
Expertise
I can answer any questions concerning speed bag training, including equipment, setup, 24 punching techniques from all around the bag, creating non-stop combinations and martial arts training on the speed bag. Also, unique and advanced speed bag training such joining a speed bag with stationary cycles, stepping machines and rehabilitation.
Experience
Author of the " Speed Bag Bible" book and video training program.
Publications
Black Belt Magazine ( 1991 ) and Martial Arts Training magazine (1998)
Education/Credentials
Masters degrees in Recreation Therapy and Rehabilitation counseling
Awards and Honors
Appeared in 1996 Olympics, doing speed bag demonstrations and seminars for security forces during the games. Invited to tour and demonstrate speed bag throughout China. Most major Boxing companies carry this program as THE source for speed bag training.
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