Question & AnswerQ&A (GAB)
The governing body is the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
A Professional Boxer means one who competes in a contest for a purse and is referred to as the boxer.
The fee for promoters is P500.00 and for boxers competing in 4 to 6 rounds it is P100.00.
A penalty of fifty percent (50%) of the basic license fee is imposed on late renewals.
A promoter must secure a permit from the Board, submit the complete card for approval 10 days prior, deposit cash or checks covering certain bonds related to gross receipts, aggregate purses, and officials' compensation, and ensure peaceful and orderly fights with law enforcement assistance.
The boxer must immediately report to the Board and submit to an examination by a physician designated by the Board.
All National Championship contests shall be held over a distance of not less than twelve (12) rounds.
A champion must defend his title within six (6) months after acquiring or successfully defending it, with possible extensions under certain conditions not to exceed one (1) year.
They shall suffer the penalty of revocation of their license and, if a boxer, forfeit his purse which will be disposed of by the Board.
A boxer must be at least 18 years old unless special permission is granted, and a manager must be at least 21 years old.
Unless it is for a justifiable reason to stop the contest, trainers or managers shall not enter the ring during a round; violation results in ejection and possibly suspension or revocation of license.
Scoring is by the '10 point must' system where the winner of a round gets 10 points and the loser gets 9 or less depending on performance; points are deducted for fouls.
Contracts must be registered with the Board, for a definite term not exceeding 5 years (8 years for new boxers), and subject to cancellation by the Board for cause.
Weight classes range from Mini Flyweight (not over 105 lbs.) to Heavyweight (over 195 lbs.), with specified pound ranges for each division.
Fouls include hitting below the belt, holding and hitting with the other hand, kidney punches, rabbit punches, head butting, thumbing, use of elbow or knee, hitting an opponent down, holding clinches, backhand blows, lacing gloves, tampering with gloves, abusive language, and any unsportsmanlike conduct.
Penalties include point deductions and possible disqualification; boxers losing due to fouls face suspension for at least 30 days in addition to other penalties.
The champion remains champion but must inform the Board in writing about defending his title before six months; extensions may be granted but failure to defend results in the title being declared vacant.
Gloves must weigh 6 ounces for up to Featherweight, 8 ounces up to Welterweight, and 10 ounces from Junior Middleweight up; gloves must be inspected for padding and cleanliness by the Board’s representative before use.
Appeals must be filed in writing to the Office of the President through the Board within 72 hours from notice and accompanied by a 50 peso appeal fee; the Office of the President’s decision is final.
Foreign boxers from non-OPBF countries must have six months continuous residence; those from OPBF member countries are exempt if certified as worthy challengers; foreign boxers winning a Philippine title can hold it only while in the Philippines.