Boxing

WBC votes for major rule modification that changes boxing forever

DAZN Staff

DAZN

Usyk vs. Fury 2 live Dec 21 on DAZN PPV - BUY NOW

Boxing is nothing if not adaptable, particularly when it comes to matters of safety. One of the most notable changes that has taken place over the course of time is the length of bouts.

And it’s in this regard that we take note of a development from this day in 1982, when the World Boxing Council became the first controlling body to reduce the length of championship fights from 15 to 12 rounds.

In making the change they also ruled that referees could order a standing eight-count for fighters in trouble. But why did this rule change come about and what happened next?

Let's take a look at the key changes that were voted for on this day in history – they were only implemented slightly later.

Read next | I fought Tyson Fury in his first pro fight and experienced something Oleksandr Usyk must be scared of

The tragic catalyst: Duk Koo Kim vs. Ray Mancini

Although there had been plenty of research about the ideal length of bouts taking place, the WBC's decision was heavily influenced by the tragic death of South Korean boxer Duk Koo Kim in November 1982.

Kim suffered fatal injuries during his 14th-round knockout loss to Ray Mancini. The bout, and the death of Kim, served to highlight the dangers of prolonged fights and left the boxing community reeling.

In the wake of Kim's death, the WBC acted swiftly, voting to reduce the physical toll on fighters and to re-evaluate many of boxing’s longstanding practices.

The impact of the changes

By limiting championship bouts to 12 rounds, the WBC sought to decrease the chances of severe injuries caused by exhaustion and extended punishment.

The introduction of the standing eight-count, meanwhile, allowed referees to assess a fighter's condition without stopping the fight prematurely, once again enhancing in-ring safety.

Interestingly the decision to reduce the number of rounds was not universally liked.

Larry Holmes, the WBC heavyweight champion at the time said: ''It will cut down on injuries for a lot of fighters, but it will take away from the true champions. A true champion can go 15 rounds."

Wider adoption of the rule

The WBC's reforms gained traction quickly. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) soon followed suit, standardising the 12-round championship fight format across the sport by the late 1980s.

Critics initially argued that shorter fights might lack the drama of the classic 15-rounders, but proponents emphasised the importance of prioritising fighters’ health over tradition.

Lasting legacy

The move to 12-round fights remains one of boxing's most significant changes.

It has contributed to fewer deaths and severe injuries in the ring while maintaining the sport's appeal.

The change also aligns with modern understandings of sports medicine and athlete safety, reinforcing boxing's ability to adapt while at the same time preserving its essence.

Watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN PPV - Buy Now

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the full undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide in over 200 countries.

You can buy the PPV right now for £24.99 in the UK / $39.95 in the US, which comes with a seven day free trial of DAZN. For more information, prices in your region and to buy now, click here .

Being a PPV event means this is a one-off payment, with no contract or future extra costs.

The Usyk vs. Fury fight and all DAZN content can be watched anywhere and everywhere on any device via the DAZN App. Watch on smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and any device with a web browser.

Error code: %{errorCode}