Definitions governing interpretation
- Article 1 defines “Board” as the Games and Amusements Board.
- Article 1 defines “Promoter” as any individual, association, partnership or corporation engaged in the promotion of boxing.
- Article 1 defines “Contest” as boxing contest, and “Professional Boxer” as one who competes in a contest for a purse (referred to as the boxer).
- Article 1 defines “Purse” as the money prize paid to the boxer, and “Card” as the boxing program.
- Article 1 defines “Matches” as the pairings of boxers in a contest.
- Article 1 defines “License” as the privilege given in professional boxing for the exercise of the profession.
- Article 1 defines “Permit” as the written authorization to hold a contest.
- Article 1 defines “Gross Income” as the proceeds from sales of tickets and earnings from films, radio and television.
Licensing and annual renewal
- The Board may issue licenses to qualified persons holding contests and to individuals participating therein directly or indirectly under Article 2.
- Licensees must pay the following license fees under Article 2:
- Promoter: PHP 500.00
- Boxing Manager: PHP 500.00
- Referee: PHP 300.00
- Boxers: PHP 100.00 (4 to 6 rounds); PHP 300.00 (8 and above)
- Trainer: PHP 200.00
- Matchmaker: PHP 200.00
- Stadium Physician: PHP 200.00
- Announcer: PHP 200.00
- Second: PHP 200.00
- Boxing Judge: PHP 200.00
- Timekeeper: PHP 100.00
- Each applicant for a license must certify that they have not been convicted of a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code or other penal statutes/decrees, with boxers excepted, under Article 2.
- Licenses must be renewed annually not later than the last of February of every calendar year, under Article 2.
- Late renewals carry a penalty of 50% of the basic license fee under Article 2.
- If the last day of February falls on a non-working day or special or legal holiday, licenses may be renewed without penalty on the next succeeding working day under Article 2.
Contest permits, deposits, and promoter bonds
- Article 3 prohibits holding any boxing contest or exhibition without a permit issued by the Board.
- The permit fee is PHP 200.00 under Article 3.
- A promoter must deposit, file, and post the following under Article 3:
- A cash or certified check deposit to cover the equivalent of one-half of one percent (A12 of 1%) of the estimated gross receipts based on full sitting capacity; earnings from radio, television and motion picture rights must be included in the estimate.
- A cash bond, or a certified check payable upon demand by the Board, to cover the aggregate purse of the boxers less an advance not exceeding thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) of the purse.
- A cash bond, or a certified check payable upon demand by the Board to cover the compensation of referees, stadium physicians, announcers, timekeepers and other officials entitled to compensation.
Promoter responsibilities and contest logistics
- A promoter must undertake the means necessary to insure peaceful and orderly fights by contacting government authorities of the town or city where the contest will be held and ensuring the assignment of the necessary number of agents of the law under Article 4(a).
- A promoter must submit to the Board or its regional offices the complete card for approval at least 10 days before the contest under Article 4(b).
- A promoter must submit contracts of boxers participating, contact with the owner/operator of the coliseum/stadium or venue, and an affidavit of the printers of admission tickets under Article 4(c).
- The printer’s affidavit must state: (1) number and classification of tickets printed; (2) prices of each ticket, including patron and sponsor tickets if any (which must not be less than the highest priced ticket for the contest); and (3) number of complimentary tickets printed not exceeding 300 under Article 4(c).
- A promoter must obtain the contest permit not later than 5 days before the day of the contest under Article 4(d).
- If the promotion is cancelled due to the promoter’s fault, a first offense suspends the promoter for 6 months, and a second offense revokes the promoter’s license under Article 4(d).
- A promoter must ensure there is no substitution of boxers except when a request is filed within 3 days and approved by the Board under Article 4(e).
- A promoter must ensure no additional bout/bouts are allowed unless approved by the Board under Article 4(e).
- A promoter must pay boxers their purses immediately after the contest, or if on a percentage basis after percentage is determined by the Board, but not more than 30 days after the contest under Article 4(f).
- A promoter must furnish new gloves for all championship contests under Article 4(g).
- A promoter must have on hand three (3) sizes for emergency use of three (3) pairs of bright green and three (3) pairs of bright red trunks for use when both boxers appear with trunks of the same or nearly the same color under Article 4(h).
- A promoter must provide water buckets, fans, powdered resin for canvas, stool for seconds, and other articles required in conducting the contests, and a bucket used by a boxer must not be used again until washed and cleaned under Article 4(i).
- A promoter must ensure announcement of all rounds and the announcement of the scores and names of judges before the final decision under Article 4(j).
- A promoter must submit a written report on contest results and a statement of receipts and expenditures, and unsold tickets are considered only if returned within 15 days after promotion under Article 4(k).
- A promoter must pay the Board its 1% share within 10 days after the date of the promotion under Article 4(l).
Promoter publicity, purse retention, and withholding
- A promoter may not release publicity on any contest without prior consultation with and written approval of the Board under Article 6.
- A promoter must retain at least 66 2/3% of the boxer’s purse under Article 5.
- Within 48 hours after the contest, the promoter must deposit with the Board 66 2/3% of the boxer’s purse, to be disposed of by the Board, when the boxer: (a) participated in a “no-contest” bout, or (b) violated the terms and condition of the boxer’s contract with the promoter under Article 5.
Purse payment rules and manager “cut-back”
- Promoters must pay boxers the agreed amount and must make payment only to the duly recognized manager accredited by the Board or directly to the boxer if the boxer has no recognized manager under Article 7.
- Boxers are prohibited from “cutting back” any part of the amount paid them to any manager, second, official of the Board, promoter or matchmaker, and such “cut-back” is accepted only if ordered by the boxer under Article 7.
- “Winner take-all” purse arrangements are not sanctioned by the Board under Article 7.
Contracts, registration, and disciplinary consequences
- Promoters are prohibited from entering into contracts with unlicensed managers and boxers under Article 8.
- Where a boxer has a duly licensed manager, contracts not bearing the signature of such manager are null and void except under the exceptions in Article 8(a)-(c).
- Contracts not bearing the manager’s signature are valid in these cases under Article 8:
- There is a pending case before the Board between the manager and boxer related to the Boxer-Manager’s Contract, in which case the promoter must deposit with the Board the manager’s share for safekeeping, and the case must be resolved within 2 months.
- The registered manager is not duly licensed for the current year, in which case the boxer may sign for himself and the manager has no entitlement to a share of the purse.
- Non-appearance of a boxer results in a suspension of 6 months, and a second offense results in revocation of the boxer’s license under Article 8(c).
- All contracts, opinions, agreements, etc. requiring official recognition must be registered with and approved by the Board at least 10 days before the contest to which they relate under Article 8.
- No option for more than one (1) contest is allowed, and no option may exceed 6 months from the date of grant or from the particular fight under Article 8.
- If two or more promoters file disputed claims for the service of a boxer, the boxer cannot perform until the Board decides the claims under Article 8.
- Contracts between promoters and boxers must include a clause requiring the contestant and/or manager to certify that the boxer is in A-1 shape and is not concealing any illness or injury under Article 8.
- Any promoter, manager or boxer found guilty of violating a provision of a contract entered into is subject to disciplinary action by the Board under Article 8.
Boxer obligations in scheduled fights
- Boxers must fulfill commitments made by them or their managers embodied in their written contracts under Article 9.
- If a boxer fails to appear or is disqualified, the qualified boxer who is not disqualified must continue to fulfill commitments against a suitable opponent approved by the Board, and must not be dropped from the card without receiving from the promoter the agreed purse in full under Article 9.
Matchmaker requirements and pairing fairness
- Contests may be made only by a licensed matchmaker who has no connection with any boxer or stable of boxers under Article 10.
- A matchmaker must ensure boxers are evenly matched in ability and weight under Article 10.
- A matchmaker must ensure the boxers’ styles are suitable and conducive to an interesting contest to be approved by the GAB matchmaker under Article 10.
Manager licensing and contracts with boxers
- Before licensing, a manager must be at least 21 years old, have completed at least high school in a government-recognized school, be able to read and write, be honest and of good moral character, and submit:
- 3 ID-sized photos and 3 specimens of signature; and
- a copy of the latest income tax return and an NBI or police clearance, obtained from the police department of the place of residence under Article 12.
- A manager acting as second for his own boxers exclusively is not required to obtain a second’s license under Article 12.
- A manager may also be a licensed promoter subject to Board approval under Article 12.
- Unless the purpose is to stop the contest for a justifiable reason or cause, a manager or trainer must not enter the ring during the progress of a round; if they enter in violation, they are ejected by the referee, and if found after due hearing to have done so to prejudice the boxer or contest, it becomes a ground for suspension or revocation of the license under Article 12.
- A manager of boxers suspended by a member country of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation who knowingly signs or contributes to a contest in another federation member country, or associates with an illicit contract, is subject to suspension for at least 6 months or revocation of license for life under Article 12.
- Before a manager signs for a boxer, the manager’s contract must be registered, filed with, and approved by the Board under Article 11.
- Contract registration with the Board charges PHP 50.00 under Article 11.
- Manager-boxer contracts must be for a definite term not exceeding 5 years, renewable by mutual consent under Article 11.
- For a new boxer, the maximum term is 8 years under Article 11.
- Contracts must be in the prescribed form prepared by the Board under Article 11.
- Contracts between managers and boxers are subject to cancellation for cause by the Board under Article 11.
- Contracts involving boxers under 18 years of age must be signed by the boxer’s parent or legal guardian under Article 11.
- Releases from contracts between managers and boxers must be notarized and filed with and approved by the Board under Article 11.
Boxer licensing, ring names, and health reporting
- Before a boxer is licensed, the boxer must be at least 18 years old unless the Board grants special authorization upon consent of the boxer’s parent or legal guardian, under Article 13(a).
- Boxers must pass an examination by the Board for physical and mental fitness for competition under Article 13(b).
- Boxers must furnish the Board with 3 ID-sized photos and 3 signature specimens under Article 13(c).
- A boxer not under contract to a manager may make their own matches and sign contracts and need not apply for a manager’s license to handle their own affairs under Article 14.
- In applying for a license, a boxer must give both correct name and ring name, plus address and names appearing on licenses held under other Boards or Commissions; assumption of a false name results in disqualification from obtaining a license under Article 15.
- A boxer may change ring name upon Board approval only when the ring name casts aspersions or ridicule on the boxer, leads to confusion, or dishonors a revered national hero or national historical event under Article 15.
- If a licensed boxer is unable to take part in a contest due to illness or injury, the boxer must immediately report the fact to the Board and submit an examination by a physician designated by the Board under Article 16.
Weighing, weight classes, and allowances
- Non-championship contests weighing must be done in the presence of each other or representatives and/or before an official of the Board from 2:00 to 4:00 o’clock p.m., a day before the contest, using scales approved by the Board; boxers have until 6:00 o’clock p.m. the same day to make the stipulated weight under Article 17.
- In championship contests, if the champion fails to make required weight, the champion automatically loses the championship; if the overweight former champion wins, the title remains vacant; if the challenger who made the weight wins, the challenger becomes champion; if the challenger comes in over the weight limit, the contest is declared a non-title contest under Article 18.
- Weight classes are established under Article 19 as follows:
- Mini Flyweight: not over 105 pounds
- Junior Flyweight: not over 108 pounds
- Flyweight: not over 112 pounds
- Junior Bantamweight: over 112 to 115 pounds
- Bantamweight: over 115 to 118 pounds
- Junior Featherweight: over 118 to 122 pounds
- Featherweight: over 122 to 126 pounds
- Junior Lightweight: over 126 to 130 pounds
- Lightweight: over 130 to 135 pounds
- Junior Welterweight: over 135 to 140 pounds
- Welterweight: over 140 to 147 pounds
- Junior Middleweight: over 147 to 154 pounds
- Middleweight: over 154 to 160 pounds
- Light-Heavyweight: over 160 to 175 pounds
- Cruiser Weight: over 176 to 195 pounds
- Heavyweight: over 195 and above
- Weight allowances set maximum limitations of weight differences under Article 20 for boxers up to Cruiser weights (with “No limitations” for Heavyweight):
- Mini Flyweight (105 lbs.): 3 pounds
- Junior Flyweight (108 lbs): 4 pounds
- Flyweight (112 lbs.): 5 pounds
- Bantamweight (118 lbs.): 6 pounds
- Featherweight (126 lbs.): 8 pounds
- Lightweight (135 lbs.): 9 pounds
- Welterweight (147 lbs.): 12 pounds
- Middleweight (160 lbs.): 13 pounds
- Light-Heavyweight (175 lbs.): 15 pounds
- Cruiser weight (195 lbs.): 20 pounds
- These weight-difference limitations do not apply when the boxer’s contract contains certain weight stipulations not in excess of the maximum limitations under Article 20.
- The Board may waive these weight limitation rules in its discretion under Article 20.
Championship titles, defenses, and ranking priorities
- All National Championship contests must be held over a distance of not less than 12 rounds under Article 21.
- Non-championship contests must be held over a distance of not more than 10 rounds, unless allowed by the Board under Article 22.
- A champion must defend the title within 6 months after acquiring or successfully defending it, provided there is a worthy challenger and promoter willing to stage the contest under Article 23.
- The first title defense may be against any rated boxer in the division, the second defense must be against the top contender, and subsequent defenses must follow the same procedure under Article 23.
- If there is no worthy challenger and promoter willing to stage the contest, the champion’s defense period may be extended by another 6 months, and during the extended period the champion may be compelled to defend against a worthy challenger for a reasonable purse determined by the Board under Article 23.
- The period for defending a title may not exceed one (1) year from the date of acquiring or successfully defending the title under Article 23.
- Failure to defend within the prescribed period is sufficient ground for the Board to declare the title vacant under Article 23.
- When a champion leaves the Philippines, the champion remains champion; before expiration of the 6-month period, the champion must inform the Board in writing of intent to defend, and the Board may grant an extension of 6 months under Article 23.
- Failure to notify the Board of inability to return to defend after the extension of 6 months is sufficient ground for the Board to declare the title vacant under Article 23.
- If a champion fails to defend within the 6-month period due to illness or physical impediment, the champion must support the allegation with a medical certificate from the Board physician; the Board may grant an extension of 3 months, and upon further certification may grant a final extension of 3 months; failure to defend under these conditions is sufficient ground for the Board to declare the title vacant under Article 23.
- A champion may engage in a non-title contest without consent of the promoter having option over title defense, provided the promoter is informed and the non-title contest is not within 2 months before the expiration of the 6-month option period and only one option is allowed under Article 23.
- A boxer may hold only one (1) Philippine title at a time; through the manager, the boxer must notify the Board in writing within 10 days of acquiring a second title to retain it; failure results in the Board automatically declaring the lighter division title vacant under Article 24.
- A world-rated boxer has priority to challenge for a mandatory defense if the world-rated boxer expresses written desire to fight two (2) months before the expiration of the mandatory defense under Article 24.
- The world-rated boxer’s intention must be sent in writing to the champion or manager with copy furnished to the Board, and a reasonable purse is determined by the Board under Article 24.
- When the champion acquires an Oriental or world title, the national title is automatically deemed vacated under Article 24.
- In title contests, a draw results in the champion retaining the title under Article 25.
- If there is a “no contest” and the champion is at fault, the title must be declared vacant under Article 25.
- A contest engaged in by a champion is considered a championship contest only if approved as such by the Board under Article 26.
- Foreign boxers seeking to challenge for a Philippine title must establish a 6 months continuous residence in the Philippines and are never allowed to challenge for an Oriental title under Article 27.
- The 6-month residence requirement is waived for boxers belonging to a member country of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation if their country’s board or commission certifies them as worthy challengers for the Philippine title under Article 27.
- When a foreign (visiting) boxer wins a championship title in the Philippines, the boxer holds and enjoys the title only as long as the boxer remains in the Philippines under Article 27.
- A champion called to serve in the Armed Forces of the Philippines has the title frozen and is required to defend only upon completion of duty; elimination contests may be staged to determine an “ad-interim” champion under Article 28.
- The Board in its discretion approves holding an “ad-interim” championship contest to activate a division and maintain interest, but the ad-interim championship is automatically vacated upon return of the actual champion or completion of Armed Forces tour under Article 29.
- If a champion is unable to defend due to injury certified by the Board’s doctor, the Board may decide to hold an ad-interim championship under Article 29.
- If an ad-interim champion exists and the real champion loses the title by operation of Article 23, the ad-interim champion is automatically declared champion under Article 29.
Doping, wagering, contest drugs, and prohibited conduct
- All contracts for contests must include a clause requiring the boxer to report any approach to take part in a fake contest or accept a bribe to the Board, and failure to report results in disciplinary action by the Board under Article 30.
- Licensees found in connivance or participation in a pre-arranged or fake contest suffer revocation of their license under Article 31.
- A boxer found guilty of participating in a fake contest forfeits the purse, which the Board disposes of at its discretion under Article 31.
- A promoter is prohibited from paying a boxer more than 33 1/3% of the boxer’s gross purse before the contest; violation subjects the promoter to disciplinary action by the Board under Article 32.
- Wagering in contests is prohibited under Article 33.
- Use of prohibited drugs is prohibited: a boxer must imbibe nothing except water during the fight and must not use drugs, stimulants or any similar substance during or before the fight; any violation is sufficient cause for disqualification and/or other disciplinary measures under Article 62.
- Monsel’s Solution or any similar drug composed of iron derivatives for stopping hemorrhage in the ring is not allowed under Article 62.
- The Board may require a boxer to submit to an immediate urinalysis in its discretion under Article 62.
Round rules, rest intervals, KO/TKO recovery
- Rounds last three (3) minutes with one (1) minute rest between rounds under Article 34.
- When a boxer competes in a contest of more than 4 rounds, the boxer may not compete again until 7 days elapse; when in a bout of 4 rounds or less, the boxer may not compete again until 5 days elapse, subject to waiver at Board discretion under Article 35.
- A minimum 45 days interval is required before a boxer who has been knocked-out (KO) or technical knocked-out (TKO) is allowed to box again, and only after a thorough physical examination by the Board’s physician under Article 35.
- After a serious concussion, a boxer may not compete again until examined and certified fit by the Board physician under Article 35.
Retirement and prohibited interruptions in rounds
- The Board may retire a boxer for heart defects, failing eyesight, failing health, consistent losses, repeated knockouts and technical knockouts, or other mental, physical or medical causes determined at Board discretion under Article 36.
- Managers and trainers must not enter the ring during a round except for a justifiable reason or to stop the contest; violations lead to ejection and potential suspension or revocation under Article 12, and seconds/trainer/manager must also not enter the ring during the progress of the round unless to stop the contest under Article 38.
Dressing room reporting and penalties
- Boxers must report to the Board’s representative at the dressing room at least 1 hour before they are due in the ring under Article 37.
- Failure to comply results in a reprimand for the first time and a 10% deduction from the boxer’s purse for the second offense under Article 37.
- A Board representative controls dressing room conduct, ensures boxers and seconds dress according to rules, ensures required tapes/gloves/smalling salts and accouterments, ensures no delay between bouts, and ensures one set of boxers is ready to enter the ring while the preceding bout is in progress under Article 37.
- Only managers, seconds, and Board representatives are allowed in boxers’ dressing rooms under Article 37.
Seconds, trainers, uniforms, and corner conduct
- No second or trainer is licensed unless at least 21 years old and unless they pass an examination by the Board on technical qualifications under Article 38.
- Only duly sanctioned and authorized managers, trainers and seconds may approach and stay at a boxer’s corner under Article 38, and they must be in proper uniform with titles printed at front and back.
- Trainers or seconds must not exceed 3 for each boxer under Article 38.
- Only one trainer/second is allowed inside the ring under Article 38.
- Trainers/seconds must not be under the influence of liquor or drugs under Article 38.
- A minimum 1-year term contract between manager and trainer is required under Article 38.
- Trainers/seconds must observe proper decorum and must not heckle or annoy the boxer’s opponent under Article 38.
- Violations must be dealt with by the Board under Article 38.
- Unless