Boxing / Guide 12
Knockdowns and the count
World Boxing · 2024In short
When does the referee count? · Eight and ten
When does the referee count?
A legal blow can cause a knockdown when a boxer touches the floor with something other than the feet, hangs on the ropes, goes partly outside them or needs a standing count after being hurt. The opponent must move to the designated neutral corner; non-compliance suspends the count.
Eight and ten
The referee counts at 1-second intervals. A mandatory count of 8 applies even if the boxer recovers earlier. Reaching 10 ends the bout by KO; the bell does not save the boxer. The referee may stop counting earlier and summon urgent medical help, with the result still recorded as KO.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent explanations of the supplied World Boxing Competition Rules, in force November 2024. These are World Boxing rules, not a universal rulebook for professional boxing. Event regulations may differ. References use PDF viewer page numbers; guide numbers are editorial.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗