How Long Is a Boxing Round?

Did you know that boxing is one of the oldest sports known to date? The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 BC which was later introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th Century BC. A sport of fighting with fists, ancient boxing has come a long way and hardly resembles the popular sport you know and love today with figures like Floyd Mayweather, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn, Deontay Wilder, and Manny Pacquiao. 

Similar to the same concept as modern boxing gloves, fighters used a soft, thin leather strap for protection which was braided around their fists and forearms. However, by the 4th century BC, the straps were enhanced to be made of tough leather and iron brackets which didn’t just protect the boxer’s hands but turned them into dangerous assault weapons! 

As religion began to spread and society grew, these deathly fist fights came to an end and disappeared for several centuries. In fact, it wasn’t until England 1681, when scheduled boxing matches made a comeback. Boxing returns to the forefront of sports bringing champions from all around the globe together, looking for title shots, fame, and glory.

As time went on, boxing grew in popularity with rules put in place and guidelines implemented making it one of the most exciting sports known in modern times with organizations like the WBC, WBA, and WBO. Boxing news is constantly being talked about, with fans all across the world gather to watch their favorite athletes on ESPN go round after nail-biting round trying to be the boxing champion in high-profile venues like Las Vegas arenas. 

However, how exactly long are these tiring boxing rounds? Good question!

Boxing 101: How Many Rounds Are There?

Did you know that the longest recorded fight in history lasted 110 excruciating rounds? Nowadays, the final bell in boxing sounds once the 12th round comes to an end in top-level and world title fights, but this wasn’t always the case. In the early 1900s, a 15-round limit was introduced becoming the norm amongst most boxing matches. However, on November 13th, 1982, a brutal fight changed boxing forever due to an intense encounter between Duk Koo Kim and Ray Mancini who ultimately forced an overhaul in the beloved sports length and rules in an attempt to boost the safety of the combatants. South Korean warrior Kim collapsed ringside and was rushed to the hospital immediately after sparring was stopped in the 14th round after the showdown with American Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini in a grueling main event match. 

Kim underwent an emergency brain surgery but unfortunately passed away four days after. Mancini’s 14th round knockout win prompted reforms that were aimed at improving the protection of boxer’s health, with the main ruling being to reduce heavyweight champion rounds from 15 rounds to 12. 

How Long Is Each Round?

Now that you understand a little bit of the history behind this incredible sport and how rules have been implemented for safety precautions, you might be asking yourself, “How long is each round?” 

The length of a boxing round will depend on the class or caliber of the match. For example, a professional match will have a different time from an amateur, heavyweight title, or an Olympic Match. The length of a round will also be determined by the age group with juniors having a different length than that of a senior match. Let’s dive in! 

Professional Boxing Rounds

Professional boxing, also known as prizefighting began to rise in popularity becoming a legitimate sport in the early 20th Century. Rules were developed and evolved with time into what we all know and love as top rank fighting today. The bouts are the longest at three minutes and go for 12 rounds. Although 12 is the maximum number that boxers can go for, there are many fights that have four, six, eight, and even ten rounds. It just depends on the promoters of each match and whether it's considered heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, or featherweight. 

Amateur Boxing Rounds

Practiced at Olympic Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, and many other organizations, amateur boxing contenders are not paid and compete out of the love of the sport and pride for their country. The fact that the term ‘amateur’ is used does not mean that the fighters are amateurs in any way shape or form. The boxers in this category are just as strong and talented as those who fight in the pros. Scoring in amateur boxing is not based on knockouts and power, but on the points garnered from the number of clean punches landed. For men, each round can last for three minutes with up to three rounds and two minutes with up to four rounds for women.   

Youth Boxing Rounds

Youth boxing does not necessarily refer only to teens but to young people boxing in clubs and fightcamps for fun – not to get onto the national or international limelight. Youth boxing round lengths vary as it is based on age:

• Bantam (8 to 10 years old) –three rounds of one minute each.
• Junior (11 to 12 years old) – three rounds of one minute each.
• Intermediate (13 to 14 years old) – three rounds of 1.5 minutes each.
• Senior Junior Olympic (15 to 16 years old) – three rounds of two minutes each. 
• Sub Novice (17 to 34 years old) – three rounds of two minutes each.
• Novice (17 to 34 years old) – ten rounds of two minutes each. 
• Open (17 to 34 years old) – up to twelve rounds of two minutes each. 
• Master Class (35 years and over) – up to twelve rounds of three minutes each. 

Each round is followed by at least one minute of rest prior to starting the next bout. 

In Conclusion

Like we mentioned, boxing has come a long way and evolved with the safety of each fighter in mind. In addition, the sport is no longer just for the world champions in the world to duke it out, but boxing is now growing increasingly popular as one of the best ways to exercise! Amazing clubs like Legends Boxing has taken this beloved sport and turned it into an excellent and safe way for those looking to get fit! If you are looking for an incredible way to get in fighting shape while having fun in doing so, Legends Boxing is for you!