London Prize Ring Rules

An overview of the London Prize Ring Rules

London Prize Ring Rules

The London Prize Ring Rules were a set of boxing regulations that governed the sport in the 19th century. These rules were established in 1838 and revised in 1853, providing a framework for bare-knuckle boxing matches. They were eventually replaced by the Marquess of Queensberry Rules in the late 19th century.

John L. Sullivan, a famous boxer who fought under the London Prize Ring Rules

History

The London Prize Ring Rules were developed to bring order and safety to the sport of boxing, which was often seen as brutal and chaotic. Prior to these rules, boxing matches were governed by the Broughton Rules, which were less comprehensive.

The rules were named after the London Prize Ring, a term used to describe the ring in which these matches took place. The rules were first codified in 1838 and were later revised in 1853 to address various issues that had arisen in the sport.

Key Provisions

The London Prize Ring Rules included several key provisions:

• Rounds: Each round lasted until one fighter was knocked down. There was no fixed time limit for rounds.
• Rest Periods: After a knockdown, the downed fighter had 30 seconds to recover and "come up to scratch," meaning to return to the center of the ring.
• Fouls: Certain actions were prohibited, such as hitting a downed opponent, gouging, and biting.
• Ring: The ring was typically 24 feet square, marked by ropes.

Impact on Boxing

The London Prize Ring Rules were instrumental in shaping the sport of boxing during the 19th century. They provided a more structured and fair environment for fighters, which helped to increase the sport's popularity.

However, the rules also allowed for a level of brutality that would later be deemed unacceptable. The lack of a time limit for rounds and the allowance of bare-knuckle fighting led to long and often bloody matches.

Transition to Queensberry Rules

By the late 19th century, the London Prize Ring Rules were gradually replaced by the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, which introduced gloves, three-minute rounds, and a ten-second count for knockdowns. These changes made the sport safer and more palatable to a wider audience.

Related Pages

• Bare-knuckle boxing
• Marquess of Queensberry Rules
• John L. Sullivan
• History of boxing