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RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE WBC World Boxing Council RULE 1 - CHAMPIONSHIP AND ELIMINATION RULES (emphasis supplied) 1.1 Applicability of Championship and Elimination Rules. These championship and elimination rules shall be applied in all WBC-recognized world championship and elimination contests, and are entitled to, and must receive the full recognition and respect from all champions and challengers of the world, provided however that under certain circumstances, as when a champion has dual recognition by more than one boxing organization as world champion, various requirements of these Rules and Regulations may be waived by the WBC. 1.2 Registration of Management Contracts. To be valid, all contracts between champions, challengers and their managers, and/or representatives or sports agents must be filed at the WBC offices. An acceptable alternative is a certificate confirming the filing of such contracts with the local boxing commissions/federations, and their enforceability with respect to the particular WBC championship. 1.3 Conflict of Interests. Subject to the provisions of Rule 1.9, no person is permitted to act concurrently both as manager of a boxer and as a promoter of a WBC championship contest involving the same boxer. It is the sole responsibility of the person who is serving both, as a promoter and as a manager of a boxer, to notify the WBC, in writing, of such dual capacity, and failure to so inform the WBC timely and properly, shall result in disciplinary action against the person who incurs in such failure. 1.4 Options for Title Bouts. At the request of the promoter to promote a world title fight, at the time of execution of a contract, the challenger is required to grant one (1) option for his first title defense, in the event that he is successful in his challenge. The foregoing notwithstanding, with notice to the President or Secretary General of the WBC, a challenger may voluntarily, grant the promoter additional options and these options will be valid, binding, and enforceable should the challenger not rescind them in writing, for breach of the terms as stipulated in such option contracts. In order for the option clause to be recognized by the WBC, it must be specific in its terms as to the boxer's compensation and the period during which it will be exercised under normal circumstances. 1.5 Procedures Related to Options. Promoters who hold a current and recognized option of a champion will be authorized to discuss and have rights to a title defense. All agreements for an option bout must be filed with the WBC and executed in compliance with Rule 1.10. 1.6 Exclusive Promotional Agreements. The WBC does not recognize exclusive promotional agreements between a promoter and a boxer. 1.7 Time Limitations on Options. There shall be a time limit of six (6) months from the date of a world title bout within which a promoter must stage a championship bout pursuant to an option granted to him, subject however, to reasonable extensions if such bout can not be promoted within the six (6) month period by reason of matters out of the control of the promoter and further, subject to the provisions of these Rules and Regulations regarding mandatory defense obligations. 1.8 Transfer of Option by Promoter. In the event that a promoter holding a valid and binding option for a boxer's services at a specified option purse payable to said boxer sells, assigns or transfer his interests in said option to another person or entity for valuable consideration in excess of the purse payable to the boxer under the option, then said excess amount shall be divided: 30% to the boxer and 70% to the promoter. 1.9 Promoter Ownership of Interest in Champion or Challenger. Except where the laws of the jurisdiction where the contest is to be held allow, no promoter or other person organizing a championship match is permitted to own or control, directly or indirectly any interest or right in any champion or challenger, except to the extent options are permitted hereunder. 1.10 Execution of Championship Bout Contracts. Duly authorized managers of the champion and challenger should execute a championship bout contract on the part of a boxer, provided however, that a manager shall not be authorized to sign agreements for a world title bout scheduled to take place after the expiration date of his management contract with the boxer. A boxer may execute a championship contract alone if he submits a certificate or other documentation or evidence to the WBC from his local boxing commission, or his WBC continental federation, acknowledging that he is not associated with any manager or representative and is free to sign on his own behalf under the sole responsibility of the continental federation where he is registered or where he resides. It will be the responsibility of the promoters to ensure that bout agreements are properly signed in accordance with these Rules and Regulations. 1.11 Filing of Official Championship Bout Contracts All contracts for WBC-certified world championship contests shall be on the WBC official championship bout contract, ("WBC Championship Contract") form, a copy of which is annexed as Appendix "A" to these Rules and Regulations. Championship Contracts must be submitted to and filed with the WBC, and a bout will not be recognized as a championship event until approved by the President or Secretary General. If the Championship Contracts are duly filed with and approved by the WBC, they will be treated for all purposes, by the WBC as presumptively valid. 1.12 WBC Approval of WBC Championship and Elimination Bouts. All promoters must request in writing the approval of WBC world championship and elimination bouts, which will be approved in writing by the Executive Office of the WBC. No bout shall be considered as officially sanctioned by the WBC if it does not have such written approval. 1.13 WBC Discretion to Deny Certification of Bouts. The WBC reserves the right not to certify or to withdraw certification from any bout as being for a WBC recognized championship if, in the opinion of the Board of Governors, the bout jeopardizes the prestige and good standing of the WBC, or fair and uniform treatment of its own champions, or may cause confusion in the boxing community or the public. Such instances include without limitation, the following: a) Racial Discrimination. The WBC will not certify any match if it is to be held in any country which practices racial discrimination in boxing or any other sport. b) Noncompliance of the WBC Rules and Regulations. The WBC will not certify any match as for a WBC-recognized championship if it is to be held in a jurisdiction that will not respect these Rules and Regulations and the WBC right of appointment and/or reciprocal approval of ring officials. c) Boxers With the Same Managers. When the champion and the challenger have the same manager and/or representative, they must each select for their bout, two different chief seconds, and the original chief second can not be in the corner of either boxer. d) Unfair Economic Value of Option. When the economic value of the option described in the fight contract is so low that could be considered unfair or abusive towards the world champion. 1.14 Site of a Championship Bout. The WBC will only authorize and certify world title bouts held in those locations where the WBC Constitution, Rules and Regulations are respected. 1.15 WBC Supervisor at Championship Bouts. The WBC Board of Governors shall be represented at all title and elimination contests by a person or persons appointed by the WBC President. The WBC Supervisor must be seated next to the bout commissioner in order to supervise and tally the scoring of the judges after every round and to be able to perform his other responsibilities. The President of the WBC must be seated by the apron. The WBC Supervisor(s), particularly in mandatory bouts, should not be citizen(s) of the country where the contest is held, nor from the same country as either boxer, unless both boxers are from the same country where the contest is held. The promoter(s) shall provide up to five (5) numbered ringside seats in the technical zone immediately adjacent to the ring for the WBC officials and executives. The promoter(s) shall pay the expenses of the WBC Supervisor(s) to championship contests, not to exceed two (2) persons, including transportation, meals, hotels and other incidental expenses. Any attendance by the WBC President at any championship contest will be in an official capacity, and all of his expenses will be paid by the promoter(s). No person holding any office in any other world boxing organization will be eligible to serve as WBC Supervisor in any championship contest. The WBC Supervisor is empowered to confiscate any substance present in the corner of either participant if he has cause to believe that it is unauthorized by the WBC. 1.16 Appointment of Judges and Referees. The President or the General Secretary of the WBC shall appoint the judges and referees for a title contest from neutral countries. The promoter must pay room and board, transportation and necessary expenses of the officials appointed to a world title bout. All continental federations must register with the WBC Headquarters, each year, a list of the most qualified officials who will then be part of the WBC Pool of Referees and Judges, subject to periodic examination and evaluation of such officials by the WBC Ring Officials Evaluation Committee; geographical neutrality, namely: city, state, nation not being the birthplace, and/or residence, and/or citizenship of the champion and challenger, which will also be considered in the appointment of WBC officials. The President may, under extraordinary circumstances, reach special agreements in regards to the appointment of ring officials. Appointment of officials will be in accordance with the following: a) In the case of either a mandatory or voluntary title defense, all officials, consisting of three judges and a non-scoring referee, shall be from neutral cities, states and nations. Champion and challenger born in the same nation, or of the same citizenship or residence, may have ring officials of the same nation in a championship bout, which will be considered neutral. If local commissions enforce local ring officials by law or policies, the WBC will see that the same number of ring officials of both boxer's nation are appointed, unless special circumstances exist. b) Every official must be a member in good standing of the WBC. The appointment to officiate in a WBC contest is a privilege, not a right. c) Ring officials at WBC-sanctioned fights will exercise their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the procedures and practices contained in the WBC Ring Officials Guide and the Procedures contained in Appendix "B" of these Rules and Regulations. Ring Officials are prohibited to make statements to the press after fights if they are not authorized by the local commission and/or the WBC representative. 1.17 Examination for Officials. All judges and referees must complete and pass performance, medical, psychiatric, ophthalmology, cardiology, and psychological tests conducted by their local federation and the WBC Ring Officials Committee. 1.18 Fees for Ring Officials. A schedule of fees for ring officials will be designated by the WBC from time to time. These payments must be made directly by the local boxing commission or the WBC representative to the officials, with the ultimate responsibility to supervise such payment resting with the WBC supervisor. 1.19 Attire of WBC Ring Officials. All referees and judges in world title bouts must wear the official WBC uniform consisting of black slacks, light green shirt, black bow tie, boxing shoes and the WBC emblem. Referees will not wear rings, medals or any other metallic accessory while on the ring. Judges shall wear a black suit, light green shirt, black bow tie, black shoes, and the WBC emblem. 1.20 Presentation of the WBC Championship Belt. The WBC representatives in a world title contest shall have the right to demand that the champion at all times enter the ring with the championship belt, and it shall be the obligation of the champion to do so under all circumstances. The WBC Representative and the chairman of the local federation will present the championship belt to the champion after every contest. Promoters of the title contest shall provide security, organize the ceremony for the presentation of the championship belt, and require boxers in their contest contracts reasonably to assist so that such presentation can occur in an organized and efficient manner. 1.21 Championship Defense Obligations. a) Voluntary Defense Obligations: All WBC recognized champions must defend their title at least three (3) times a year or twice, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors. The defenses must be against: i) any of the top ten (10) rated contenders, ii) a boxer rated from the No. 11 to 15 position, if special circumstances prevail and upon a majority vote of the Board of Governors; iii) upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of the Board of Governors and subject to certification of unavailability of any contender rated in the first 15 positions, any boxer rated from 16 to 30 positions; iv) youth world champions, with the approval of 2/3 of the Board of Governors; v) a champion or a rated boxer of another immediate lower or higher weight division, subject to the majority vote of the Board of Governors; vi) a retired world champion or other boxer of great prestige, subject to a majority vote of the Board of Governors and after undergoing a complete physical examination acceptable to the WBC Medical Advisory Board. vii) a champion of another boxing organization recognized by the WBC, may be authorized by a majority vote of the Board of Governors to contend for the WBC title in a voluntary defense. b) Mandatory Defense Obligations. All WBC recognized champions are obligated to make at least one yearly mandatory defense against the designated official challenger. i) mandatory defenses against champion of other boxing organizations recognized by the WBC, may be authorized upon a 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Governors. ii) To become the WBC official challenger, the No. 1 rated boxer in the WBC lists must be approved by the majority vote of the Board of Governors. No WBC champion will be authorized to fight for the title if the card includes any bout of over twelve (12) rounds. Mandatory Defenses. A WBC champion is obligated to make at least one yearly mandatory defense against the designated official challenger. c) Extension of Time Limits. A champion making more than one (1) defense against the No. 1 rated boxer during a year may obtain an extension of this time period corresponding to the last defense date against the no. 1 rated boxer, if approved by a majority vote of the Board of Governors. d)The Official Challenger. The designation of the official challenger for a mandatory defense is effective only by the approval of the Board of Governors, which will have the discretion to designate the highest rated challenger of the division or the winners of elimination bouts. e) Voluntary Defenses not Modifying Mandatory Obligations. The obligation of the champion to defend against the official challenger in a mandatory defense, as provided herein, shall not be extended nor modified by reason of such voluntary defenses, except by majority vote of the Board of Governors. f) Time Limits. The time limits respecting title defenses provided herein shall be complied with in all cases, except when waived or extended by the Board of Governors under appropriate circumstances. Except as expressly provided in Rule 1.27 or any other section of these Rules and Regulations, in the event that a champion is in violation of either of the foregoing optional or mandatory defense obligations and has not boxed or made a definitive and binding arrangement to box against an authorized contender for a period of six (6) months after his last previous defense, the WBC may conduct a vote of the Board of Governors regarding withdrawal or suspension of the champion's recognition pursuant to Rule 1.22 herein. g) Over-the-Weight Bouts. Champions and signed challengers must get authorization from the WBC to contend in over-the-weight non-title matches which shall never be within six (6) weeks of a scheduled title bout. h) Extenuating Circumstances. The WBC will not cancel or otherwise delay, a title defense because of legal problems between a boxer and other parties to his bout contract. In the event of a legal dispute of this type, the WBC will sanction his participation in a championship bout if thirty percent (30% of his purse is deposited in escrow with a court of law or the Treasury of the WBC, or other authorized escrow agent, until the dispute is resolved, unless an agreement is reached between the legal disputing parties. i) Inheritance of Mandatory Obligations. A challenger who wins in a voluntary defense shall automatically inherit the mandatory time limit of the champion he defeated, except on special circumstances, with the approval of the majority vote of the Board of Governors. Once a victorious challenger has successfully defended his title mandatorily within the time limits inherited from the champion he defeated, he shall be subject to the usual championship obligations. 1.21 Withdrawal or Suspension of WBC World Championship Status. a) Except as provided for in Rule 1.24, the Board of Governors may, by 2/3 vote, withdraw or suspend recognition of a boxer as WBC champion if he fails to defend his title in accordance with the Constitution, Rules and Regulations, or for holding the title of another boxing organization without the approval or sanctioning of the WBC (Rule 1.23), or for any other reason which justifies suspension or withdrawal, such as the violation of the Constitution, Rules and Regulations. b) Withdrawal or Suspension of Championship Status in Other WBC Certified Titles. In the case of other WBC certified championships, in addition to the world championship, a 2/3 voting of the corresponding committee or continental federation will be necessary for withdrawal of recognition or suspension of championship status. 1.22 Petition for Reconsideration. In the event that recognition is suspended or withdrawn under these Rules, it will be deemed final and the WBC may undertake steps to fill the vacant title, provided however, that the affected party may request reconsideration in accordance with Rule 5 herein. 1.23 Loss of WBC Championship Status. The privilege, trademark and accolade of WBC championship which is owned exclusively by the WBC, may be lost in the following cases, among others: a) In the event that the holder of a WBC title is convicted and imprisoned for a crime involving moral turpitude, the WBC Board of Governors shall declare the champion's title vacated and the procedure to fill the vacant title is set out in these Rules and Regulations. b) In the event that any boxer rated for any WBC title has been convicted and imprisoned for a crime involving moral turpitude, such boxer will be dropped from the ratings. 1.24 Vacant Title. If a title becomes vacant for any reason, the Board of Governors may: 1) authorize and cause to be instituted a tournament or elimination contest among leading contenders in the division of the vacant title, with the winner being recognized as the new champion; or 2) authorize or cause to be instituted a direct bout between the two top rated available boxers and recognize the winner as the champion; or 3) take any other steps or actions which in its judgment and discretion, are necessary or appropriate to fill the vacant title, including authorizing as challenger the champion of a lower or higher division. The Board of Governors may also impose such conditions as it deems proper and necessary upon a new champion, including: 1) designating the boxer against whom the first defense of the title must be made (who will be the next highest rated available boxer or a boxer selected through an elimination bout); 2) ordering the new champion to make his first mandatory defense within ninety (90) to one hundred and twenty (120) days of his acquiring the title. 1.25 Final Championship Elimination Bouts. The WBC shall order a final elimination bout to determine the mandatory challenger, except in situations where by vote of the majority of the WBC Board of Governors, it is determined that the number one rated challenger has the merits to be the mandatory challenger. 1.26 Inactivity of Champion. When a world champion is: a) inactive for more than six (6) months but less than one (1) year, for certified medical reasons, or b)for whatever legal impediment or other reason beyond his control is unable to defend his championship within the time periods prescribed by these Rules and Regulations, the WBC may determine an interim champion pursuant to Rule 1.25 hereof. When the champion returns (after having passed all medical examinations if his inactivity was a result of medical reasons), the WBC will order a bout for its undisputed world title with the interim champion entitled to forty-five percent (45%) and the champion to fifty-five percent (55%) of the purse, in the event that the bout is promoted through the WBC purse offer procedures. The Board of Governors, in its discretion, may carry out the provisions of Rule 2.11 d). 1.27 Penalty on Inactivity by Champion or Interim Champion. A champion or an interim champion not defending his title within one (1) year will lose his title, which will be declared vacant. 1.28 Penalty on Refusal to Fight. If any of both, the WBC Champion and the interim champion, is not willing to participate in a contest to have one sole undisputed champion in the division, he will lose his portion of the title, with the willing champion becoming automatically, the undisputed WBC Champion of the division. 1.29 Adherence to Purse Offer Procedure. The purse offer procedure adopted by the WBC and set forth in Rule 2 hereof, shall be respected at all times in title bouts and title elimination bouts, even when a promoter has options for title fights by any of the boxers participating in such bouts, when an agreement between a champion and a challenger is not reached during the free negotiations period. 1.30 Direct Rematch Policy. No championship contract shall be approved, and no title match shall be certified by the WBC if it contains a "return match" clause which requires or binds the challenger to meet the champion again for the title in the event that he is victorious. Further, any match between the same two boxers (i.e. champion and challenger in a WBC-recognized title match) shall not be approved if it is a direct rematch, without an intervening contest, unless the winner of the first championship bout was the champion, in which case a direct new bout may be accepted or ordered by majority vote of the Board of Governors. In no event will the WBC approve a direct rematch between boxers if one of them has previously filed with the WBC a contract for another bout, or if the winner of the direct rematch in question would be subject to a mandatory defense obligation. A direct rematch or another contest may be approved or ordered only after the prior commitments have been fulfilled, or if there is an agreement between both parties involved. 1.31 Circumstances When a Direct Rematch is Ordered. Notwithstanding the rule against direct rematches, without an intervening contest, in cases where the champion has lost the initial bout the WBC may, upon a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Board of Governors, order a direct championship rematch between a defeated champion and the new champion when, in the opinion of the Board of Governors, the initial match was extremely controversial or irregular, or if there is evidence of a violation of the rules governing the conduct of the bout. In the event that the required two-thirds (2/3) voting majority necessary for a direct rematch is not present, whether determined by actual vote or polling of consensus, then by simple majority vote, the rematch will be ordered or accepted only after allowing an intervening championship bout between the new champion and another rated contender to be designated by the Board of Governors. In the event of such an intervening defense match, the winner of the intervening title contest will be ordered to meet the loser of the initial title match, provided that the former champion has not lost another bout in the interim. Any match ordered under this rule will constitute a mandatory defense under Rule 1.21 of these Rules and Regulations, without prejudice to the rights of the contender ranked in the number one (No. 1) position of his division. A party seeking a vote under the provisions of this rule shall bear and pay all expenses incurred by the WBC in conducting such voting. Direct rematches may be approved by a majority voting of the Board of Governors, when the first match was of such extraordinary results that it could constitute a public demand and great promotion, prestige and importance for the sport of boxing and the WBC. FightersOnline Home PurseBid Home |