WORLD BOXING COUNCIL

RULES & REGULATIONS OF THE WORLD BOXING COUNCIL (“WBC”)

1.

ARTICLE I - APPLICABILITY AND INTERPRETATION

1.1

Applicability and Interpretation of these Rules & Regulations. In all WBC-sanctioned
championship and elimination contests, these Rules & Regulations, the WBC
Championship Rules as promulgated by the WBC from time to time, and all other rules,
regulations and rulings issued by the WBC shall apply, unless a written modification or an
exception is issued by the WBC in its sole discretion on a case-by-case basis. As used inthese Rules & Regulations, Championship contests shall include, but not be limited to, any
contest in which a WBC world, WBC regional or WBC Championship Committee title isbeing contested. The WBC shall have sole authority and discretion to interpret these Rules& Regulations. All actions and positions of the WBC shall be interpreted solely inaccordance with these Rules & Regulations, which for the limited purpose of interpretingthese Rules & Regulations shall supersede and control any conflict or inconsistency withany enforceable national or local law, or with any applicable regulation of a boxing
commission. These Rules & Regulations are promulgated in the WBC’s official languages
of English and Spanish. In the event of any inconsistency, or conflict of interpretation ortranslation, between the English and Spanish versions, the English version shall control.
Any reference in these Rules & Regulations to the masculine gender shall be taken to
include the feminine gender, as applicable.

1.2

Interpretation of Rules and Power of WBC President to Act in the Best Interests of Boxing.
As special and unique circumstances arise in the sport of boxing, not all of which can be
anticipated and addressed specifically in these Rules & Regulations, the WBC President
and Presidency, in consultation with the WBC Board of Governors and with the WBC
Chief Legal Counsel, has full power and authority to interpret these Rules & Regulations,and to issue and apply such rulings as he shall in his sole discretion deem to be in the bestinterests of boxing.

1.3

President’s Authority to Act with Subsequent Ratification. If the approval of the WBC
Board of Governors is required under these Rules & Regulations for the WBC to take aspecific action, but due to special circumstances it is not possible or practical to obtain suchprior approval in a timely manner, the WBC President may take any necessary action,subject to the subsequent ratification of such action by the Board of Governors.

1.4

No Course of Dealing. As circumstances arising in the sport of boxing are unique to eachmatter, no decision of the WBC in its discretion shall constitute a precedent or establish acourse of dealing upon which any party may rely. The WBC shall retain the power andauthority to issue rulings on a case-by-case basis in the exercise of its sole discretion.

1.5

All Parties Subject. By participating in any bout, promotion, or any other activity involving
the WBC’s governing powers, sanctioning of a bout, or exclusive trademarks and any otheritem of WBC intellectual property, each champion, challenger, promoter, and all otherparties are deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be subject to these Rules &Regulations and all WBC's rulings and interpretations hereof.

2. ARTICLE II - GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO WBC CONTESTSWBC Approval of Bouts
2.1

WBC Approval of WBC Championship and Elimination Bouts. All promoters must
request in writing the approval by the WBC or the respective WBC ChampionshipCommittee (as applicable), of any WBC-sanctioned championship, elimination, or
qualifying bouts. No bout shall be considered as officially sanctioned by the WBC unlessthe promoter has received the written approval of the WBC President’s office or therespective WBC Championship Committee Chairperson (as applicable), and complies fully
with all terms and conditions of the WBC’s sanctioning, including payment when directedby the WBC of all required fees and compliance with these Rules & Regulations and any
applicable rulings.

2.2

WBC Discretion to Deny Sanction. The WBC reserves the right to deny its sanction of any
bout, or to withdraw its sanction prior to a bout after it was initially granted, for cause as
the WBC shall determine in its sole discretion. Instances of cause may include, but are notlimited to, the following:(a)Non-compliance with WBC Rules & Regulations, WBC Constitution or any WBC
binding document or Ruling. The WBC may deny or withdraw its sanction of any
contest to be held in a jurisdiction that does not recognize and accommodate to theWBC’s satisfaction the WBC’s legitimate interest in the conduct of WBC bouts,
including these Rules & Regulations, the WBC Constitution, the WBC's
implementation of any of its programs or protocols (e.g., instant replay, partial open
scoring, electronic scoring, Clean Boxing Program, Weight Management Program,etc.), any other WBC binding documents, and the WBC’s right to appoint andapprove ring officials.

(b)

Violation of the WBC’s Principles or Constitution. The WBC may deny or withdraw
its sanction of any contest to be held in a jurisdiction that, by action or omission,
violates the WBC’s principles or Constitution.

The WBC may also deny a bout sanction to any bout involving a promoter whose actions
might be detrimental to the WBC and boxing if the promoter acts in opposition to theWBC’s expressed policies on safety and other measures to protect boxers, or for any otherviolations of the WBC’s Rules & Regulations, principles, or Constitution.
2.3

WBC’s Right to Revoke Sanction after a Contest. The WBC reserves the right to revoke or
withdraw its sanction of any bout that had been previously sanctioned or which the WBC
had agreed to sanction as a WBC contest under circumstances including, but not limited to,the following:(a)if (i) the local boxing commission where the bout occurred did not permit the WBC
to appoint all the ring officials, or if the WBC did not agree in writing to all ring
officials appointed by the local commission for the match, and (ii) based on the WBC
President's judgment, the result is that the decision in the contest is different fromwhat it would have been if all officials had been appointed by the WBC and upheld
the WBC’s rules and standards; or(b)if (i) all Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, and rulings of the WBC are notcomplied with, and (ii) based on the WBC President's judgment, the result is that thedecision in the contest is different from what it would have been if all of the WBC’s

2

Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, standards, and rulings had been properly
applied, as determined by the WBC in its sole and absolute discretion.
Under any of those or similar circumstances, upon an affirmative vote of 2/3rd of the WBC
Board of Governors, the WBC may confirm the WBC President's revocation of the WBC's
sanction of the bout as a WBC contest. In either circumstance, whether the decision would
have been different under the WBC’s Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules,
standards, and rulings is to be determined solely by the WBC in its sole discretion.
If the bout was a WBC championship contest, the WBC’s revocation shall result in the boutbeing deemed to have been or be a non-title bout. If the bout was a WBC elimination
contest, the effect of the WBC’s revocation shall be that neither boxer will gain any rights
to a mandatory contest or final elimination bout, nor be eliminated from contention as aresult. (The WBC may, in its discretion, consider the action and/or result of the bout in
determining its ratings of the boxers.)
In such cases, the ruling of the WBC does not control the final determination of the local
boxing commission regarding the decision in the contest. However, the decision of a local
boxing commission shall never interfere with the power and authority of the WBC to grantor withhold sanctioning any contest as a WBC championship or elimination bout, or torecognize or withhold recognition of any boxer as a WBC Champion or Challenger.
If WBC sanctioning is revoked after a contest under this rule, the WBC shall still have theright to collect, and/or retain all prior deposits or payments of, all applicable sanction fees,
expenses, and any other forms of consideration provided for herein, as the promotion andthe participants would have received and benefitted from the marketing and other value
brought to the bout as a result of having been originally sanctioned by the WBC, andbecause the event was promoted using the WBC’s exclusive and proprietary trademarks andother intellectual property and goodwill, including but not limited to commercial
designations, trade names, trademarks and copyrighted materials.
2.4

Disputes between a Boxer and a Boxer’s Representative. In the event of a dispute in whicha manager, promoter, or any other individual or entity claims contractual rights with respect
to a boxer the WBC may order that the boxer may compete in the bout on the condition thata portion of the boxer’s purse shall be withheld and deposited in escrow until the time thatthe dispute is resolved. In such cases the boxer must also agree in a manner satisfactory to
the WBC to indemnify and hold the WBC harmless from any and all claims, demands,
causes of action, and liabilities of any kind in any way related to the dispute. In the event aboxer and a promoter fail to agree to terms to a bout agreement or any other legally binding
document in connection with a WBC-sanctioned bout, and the Purse Offer Procedures inthese Rules & Regulations do not apply to the particular situation, the WBC shall have theoption of mediating the dispute, submitting a WBC-approved bout agreement or take any
measures it deems necessary to assist the parties to come to an agreement. If the parties
still fail to come to an agreement, the WBC shall have the option of revoking its sanction as
set forth in Rule 2.3 above.

Purse Offer Procedures
2.5

Adherence to Purse Offer Procedure. After a WBC sanction has been issued, the boxers
and their representatives shall have a period to freely engage in negotiations (“freenegotiations period”) to reach an agreement on financial terms that will apply to their WBC
contest. The WBC shall mandate the free negotiations period's duration or any extension
the parties may request. When the boxers and their representatives cannot reach such an3

agreement during the free negotiations period or any WBC-granted extensions, the WBC
may institute a purse offer, also known as a purse bid or purse auction process. Whenordered by the WBC, the purse offer procedure shall not be affected by any promotional
agreements in which a promoter has options on either or both boxers in such bouts.
2.6

WBC’s Authority to Modify or Cancel. With respect to any purse offer that it has ordered,
the WBC has the sole and exclusive authority to modify the purse offer procedure set forth
herein, including all timetables, deadlines, duties and obligations of participants, and therespective percentages of the bout purses payable to the boxers. The WBC also shall havethe sole and exclusive authority to cancel any purse offer previously ordered based upon
the facts of the individual case or upon special circumstances, as determined by the WBC
in its sole discretion.

2.7

Notifications When Bouts Ordered. Upon ordering a title or elimination bout, the WBC
shall provide notification to the boxers or their representatives at their last known contact
information registered with the WBC. It is the sole responsibility of each boxer and theboxer’s representative(s) to provide the WBC Presidency with contact information
specifically designated for all notices required under the WBC Constitution or these Rules& Regulations. The WBC is not and shall not be held liable for any result or outcome inany way related to the failure of a boxer or any boxer’s representative to keep the WBC
advised of their current contact information for such notices.

2.8

Free Negotiations Period. After the WBC orders a bout, there shall be a period of thirty(30) days for the parties to negotiate, finalize, execute, and file a contract for the bout.
Should the parties fail to file a fully-executed contract with the WBC by the end of such
period, the period of free negotiations shall automatically terminate.
The WBC may, by notification to the parties, shorten or lengthen the free negotiation
period in special circumstances as determined by the WBC in its sole discretion.

2.9

Request for Purse Offer. Should the free negotiation period not result in signed boutcontracts or notification of an agreement being filed with the WBC, the WBC shall issue a
public announcement requesting that promoters file purse offers bids to promote the bout.
Promoters then currently registered with the WBC may in writing request that the WBC, asa courtesy, send them individual notifications of a request for purse offers. The
announcement requesting bids will contain the date, time, and place for the purse offer
ceremony, which shall always be subject to change by the WBC in its sole discretion. An
announcement through any medium, including the Internet, shall be deemed a publicannouncement for the purposes of this provision.
The period for purse offers to be filed will generally be, and the purse offer ceremony may
be held, approximately 15 calendar days from expiration of the free negotiation period,
unless such period is reduced or extended by the WBC in its sole discretion.

2.10 Extension If No Bids Received. If no bids are received by the time and date specified in
the announcement, WBC may extend the period for receipt of bids for approximately an
additional fifteen (15) calendar days, and the WBC shall notify the boxers or theirregistered representatives.
2.11 Privilege to Participate in a Purse Offer. The WBC may reject any purse offer bid received
from a promoter not in good standing with the WBC (that is, any promoter who (i) has
failed to pay all sanction fees, yearly licensing fees, or any other fees, expenses, or fines
payable in accordance with these Rules & Regulations or any WBC rulings, or (ii) is

4

suspended, expelled, or subject other discipline by the WBC). The WBC may also reject
any purse offer bid received from a promoter who has failed to execute and file with theWBC (i) the WBC Registered Promoters Agreement and (ii) the WBC World Title Bout
Authorization Agreement for Promoter.
Each promoter participating in a purse offer procedure shall pay a mandatory, nonrefundable participation fee to the WBC as follows:
Heavyweight division bid:
Cruiserweight to middleweight division bid:
Super welterweight to super bantamweight division bid:
Bantamweight to strawweight division bid:

$10,000$ 7,500$ 5,000$ 2,500

If a promotional company is participating in more than one purse bid scheduled on the sameday, only one participation fee will be assessed to such promotional company.
The requirement to pay a participation fee may be modified only by the WBC in its sole
discretion.
2.12 Rejection of Commonality of Bidders. The WBC in its discretion may reject any purse
offer bid if there is commonality of ownership, interest, or control among two or more of
the participants.
2.13 Format of Purse Offer Bids. Each purse offer bid should be submitted using the WBC’s
approved purse offer form, should one be then currently designated. The WBC in its sole
discretion may, but is not required to, accept any purse offer bid in alternate formats.
2.14 Submission of Purse Offer Bids. The WBC may reject any purse offer bid submitted after
the time and date set forth in the announcement for the opening of bids. Purse offer bids
should be presented in person by the date, time, and at the place set forth in theannouncement of the solicitation of said bids. A bid may also be sent by fax or email to the
WBC official conducting the purse offer ceremony. It is the sole responsibility of theparticipant to confirm actual receipt of any purse offer bid by the WBC official conducting
the purse offer ceremony. The WBC will handle all bids received with strict confidentiality
prior to the purse offer ceremony.
2.15 Purse Offer Ceremony. At the official purse offer ceremony for a bout, the WBC shallreveal all properly-submitted bids, and the promoter that has made the highest offer ofcompensation to the boxers shall be awarded the bout. The WBC may reject any bid that
contains any contingency, such as, for example, that the purses will be subject to income or
profit projections, or any bid stating that a promoter will bid a percentage or dollar amountover the bid by other promoters. Any interested promoter may attend and observe the purse
offer ceremony.
Winning of Purse Offer. The WBC shall notify the winning promoter of its winning bid.
Minutes of the purse offer procedure shall be written, signed, and delivered by and to theparticipating parties and the boxers or their representatives at the conclusion of the Purse
Offer ceremony. Upon the WBC notification to the winning promoter of its winning bid,
the promoter shall be contractually bound to promote the bout with respect to the WBC. In
the event that the winning promoter attempts to withdraw its winning bid or fails to fulfill
the obligations set forth in Rule 2.18 below, the WBC shall have the option of taking any
disciplinary measures it deems appropriate against that promoter.

5

2.16 Division of Proceeds in a Purse Offer. The net purse offer (after deduction of all sanction
fees payable to the WBC hereunder) shall be divided as follows:(a)first, 10% of the total shall be set aside as a bonus for the winner of the contest,
then, of the remainder,(b)

70% of the remaining 90% shall be for the champion and 30% of the remaining
90% shall be for the challenger in title bouts; and(c)

50% of the remaining 90% to each contender in the case of vacant titles or
elimination bouts;

provided, however, that the WBC Board of Governors, may by a majority vote, authorize a
modification of the division of purse offer proceeds between boxers in a purse offer inparticular cases, such as consideration of outstanding marketing value of one of the boxers,
as the WBC shall determine in its sole discretion. The modification of the split of theremainder shall be limited to 60-40% and 55-45%, except in the most exceptional
circumstances, in which the split may be modified to 50-50% at the WBC's sole discretion.
2.17 Boxers’ Obligations Regarding Purse Offer Bids. The interested boxers must accept thewinning bid and participate in the bout, as the WBC may deem that any boxer who does notagree to participate in a bout on the terms of the winning purse offer has forfeited his
privilege as a WBC champion or challenger. The WBC may, at its sole discretion,
determine whether to include in its future ratings any boxer who fails to fulfill his or her
obligations under this paragraph. For a champion to be deemed to forfeit his title as aresult, the WBC Board of Governors must confirm such forfeiture by 2/3rd vote.
2.18 Promoter’s Deposit after Winning Purse Offer. Unless otherwise permitted by the WBC in
its sole discretion, the promoter who wins a purse offer must, within ten (10) calendar days
after the purse offer ceremony or as otherwise ordered by the WBC, shall deposit with the
WBC ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the winning offer. If such 10% deposit is
not made by the winning promoter as required, the WBC may in its discretion deem that thepromoter has forfeited his right to promote the bout, which the WBC may then grant to thesecond highest bidder. The WBC may also take any measures it deems appropriate against
the promoter as set forth in Rule 2.15 above.
The balance of the deposit will be returned or credited to the promoter upon or following
the payment and/or deduction of all applicable sanction fees at the time of the title bout. In
the event after paying the deposit the promoter does not promote the bout according to theterms of the winning bid, the WBC may, in its sole discretion, order that the promoter has
forfeited such deposit, which the WBC may in its discretion then distribute all or part to theboxers in accordance with the purse split, and/or retain all or part as a penalty.
2.19 Failure to Promote a Bout. If a promoter who won the purse offer relinquishes the right or
fails or refuses to promote the championship bout, the WBC may grant the right to promote
the bout to the second-highest bidder, if any, provided however, that if the WBC determines
in its sole discretion that the second-highest bid was too low, the WBC may initiate anotherpurse offer procedure or take such other action as it deems appropriate. The WBC may also
take any measures it deems appropriate against the winning promoter as set forth in Rule2.15 above.

6

2.20 Purse Offer Contracts. After winning a purse offer, the promoter shall within seven (7)calendar-days present championship bout contracts, either on the WBC’s form or in a form
deemed acceptable by the WBC in its sole discretion, to each boxer or the boxer’s
representative to be signed and delivered to the WBC within twenty-one (21) calendar-daysafter the purse offer ceremony. The promoter will have fifteen (15) calendar days after thepurse offer ceremony to inform the WBC in writing of the location (country, state/province
and city) and date of the bout. The WBC may modify either or both periods contemplated
in this section for cause as determined in its sole discretion.
2.21 Failure to Sign Purse Offer Contracts. If a promoter has presented bout contracts to theboxers in a form acceptable to the WBC within the required deadline recognized or orderedby the WBC, but either or both boxers have not signed and returned the contract, thepromoter will not be deemed at fault, and will be deemed to have complied with his
obligation to file the contracts in a timely manner.
If the promoter has presented a bout contract in a form acceptable to the WBC, and a boxer
or boxer’s representative fails to sign the contract within the required period after the purse
offer ceremony, or if the boxer otherwise refuses to participate in the bout for the promoter
who won the purse offer, the WBC shall have the power to impose disciplinary actions
upon such boxer and/or or boxer’s representative, including but not limited to forfeiture of
title or challenger status, or any other measure the WBC deems appropriate in its sole
discretion.
2.22 Timing of a Bout. A promoter must promote the bout within ninety (90) days after winninga purse offer, subject to modification at any time by the WBC in its discretion. The WBC
may withdraw a promoter’s privilege to promote any bout if the promoter is unable tocomply with such time limit.

Special Circumstances Affecting Purse Offers
2.23 Amount of Purse Offer Bids and New Bids. The WBC reserves the right to refuse any
purse offer it determines at its sole discretion to be too low. In the event of identical highbids, new purse offers will be taken from those promoters who submitted the identical highbids, or they may agree to co-promote. New bids may be taken at the same purse offer
ceremony if the winning promoters, or their duly authorized representatives, are present. If
one or more of the promoters who submitted identical higher bids or their duly authorized
representatives are not present, new sealed or confidential bids shall be submitted to the
WBC within seven (7) calendar days from the original opening of the bids or within such a
deadline the WBC might mandate at its sole discretion.
2.24 Boxers Must Have No Contractual Restrictions. The WBC may reject as unavailable any
boxer who has contractual, health, legal, or other restrictions that would prevent the boxer
from complying with the obligations that arise under the purse offer provisions of theseRules & Regulations. Each boxer is solely responsible for notifying the WBC of any such
restrictions. Absent any such notification, the WBC may assume that there are nocontractual, health, legal, or other restrictions or obligations that would interfere with aboxer’s ability to freely negotiate for and participate in a bout. In the event that a boxer
fails to timely notify the WBC of any such restriction or obligations, the WBC may subject
such boxer to disciplinary action, including a fine or removal of WBC status.

72.25 Non-Applicability of Purse Offer Procedure. The purse offer procedure herein will not beapplicable, and may be cancelled by the WBC, when in free negotiations a boxer is offereda purse that the WBC believes in its sole discretion on a case-by-case basis is fair andreasonable based upon the boxer’s historical earnings, the boxer’s services then-current
market value, the market value of the division, and the boxing market in general at the time.
In each case, such determination may be made by the WBC based on registered contracts
and any other information available to the WBC. Upon any such ruling by the WBC, if theboxer does not accept the offer, the WBC may take any measures it deems appropriate in its
sole discretion including, but not limited to forfeiture of challenger status, ordering analternate challenger or name the boxer’s opponent as mandatory challenger.
2.26 Rights of Promoters Holding Options. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary which may
be contained in these Rules & Regulations, if a promoter holds a duly registered, binding,and approved option to promote a bout of a boxer, but: (a) is unable to finalize a contract
for a mandatory championship bout within the time periods prescribed herein; or (b) is not
successful in winning the purse offer for the bout, the WBC may in its sole discretion orderthat the winning promoter and affected boxer shall pay to the promoter holding the option
an amount equal to 25% of the amount by which the purse payable to the boxer in thewinning purse offer exceeds the amount that was guaranteed to the boxer under the option(or any higher amount that had been offered to such boxer by the promoter holding theoption during the free negotiations period.
Under such circumstances, it shall be the obligation of the winner of the purse offer to pay
such amount directly to the promoter holding the option at the same time that the purses arepaid to the boxers for the ordered bout. For example, if a promoter has a valid option topromote a champion’s next bout, under which the champion will receive a guaranteed
US$100,000 purse (and no higher purse was offered to the boxer by such promoter during
free negotiations), and in the purse offer won by another promoter the champion is
guaranteed $200,000, then the promoter holding the option would be entitled to payment of
US$25,000, which is 25% of the excess of the purse offer ($200,000) over his option($100,000).
2.27 Modification of Purse Offers' Purse. If at any time after a purse offer the boxers and thepromoter agree to reduce the amount of the purse, the sanction fees payable to the WBC
will nevertheless be based upon the original purse offer and not pursuant to any reduced
terms, due to the WBC’s role in maximizing the value of the bout.
2.28 Single Purse Offer Bids. If only one promoter presents a bid in a purse offer, he will beallowed to promote the bout unless the WBC considers the offer so low that it would be
detrimental to the best interests of the boxers, in which case the WBC will undertake efforts
to improve the boxers’ purses.
2.29 Authority of the President in Purse Offers. The WBC President or his designee shall havethe authority to resolve any issue regarding purse offers if the situation if not otherwise
provided for in these Rules & Regulations, or to act in their discretion to take whateveraction they deem necessary and appropriate regarding purse offer procedures to preserve
justice and equality.
Contractual Arrangements
2.30 Privileges of WBC Registered Promoters. All promoters who are registered and in goodstanding with the WBC may register contracts for championship and elimination bouts with8

the WBC, request a sanction to promote any WBC-sanctioned championship or elimination
bout, participate in WBC purse offer procedures, register option contracts with the WBC,and participate in any other activity permitted by and consistent with the WBC’s Rules &Regulations, Championship Rules, standards, and rulings.
2.31 Filing of Official Championship Bout Contracts. Promoters must file all contracts for
WBC-sanctioned bouts with the WBC. If the bout is the result of a purse offer, thecontracts must be on the official WBC form, unless the parties submit a mutually-agreed
contract in alternate form acceptable to the WBC. The official WBC forms of Registered
Promoters Agreement, Authorization Agreement from Promoter, and Champion andChallenger Compliance Agreement must also be executed and filed with the WBC. It is the
responsibility of each promoter to ensure that bout agreements are properly executed by theboxers or their duly authorized representatives in accordance with these Rules &Regulations.
2.32 Registration of Promoters and Other Representatives of Boxers; Responsibilities.
(a)

Each promoter and each manager, agent, or other representative of a boxer mustregister annually with the WBC in accordance with such procedures and requirements
as the WBC may determine. Each representative of a boxer shall file with the WBC
all contracts between the representative and the boxer in order to prove their authority
to represent the boxer, or such other documents the WBC recognizes as sufficient todemonstrate such authority.
To be recognized by the WBC, all contracts between boxers and their promoters,
managers, agents, or other representatives must be filed by such parties with theWBC. Alternatively, the WBC may in its sole discretion accept a written
communication from the governing boxing commission or federation certifying that it
has received and has such contract on file, provided that the parties consent to the
WBC obtaining any such contract from such commission or federation.

(b)

It is the sole and exclusive responsibility and obligation of each promoter, manager,
agent, or other representative of a boxer to convey to the boxer the substance of any
communications between the WBC and such representative concerning the boxer’s
dealings with the WBC so that the boxer will be fully informed regarding all suchmatters, and the WBC may rely in each case upon each such representative’scompliance with this rule. Therefore, under no circumstance shall the WBC be held
responsible or liable for any failure of such representative to keep their boxer fully
informed of all such communications.

2.33 Options in Title Bouts. If at the time of execution of a bout contract resulting from freenegotiations, a boxer and the promoter may agree that the promoter has an option topromote the boxer’s first title defense in the event that he wins or retains the title. In orderfor the WBC to recognize such an option clause, it must be legally binding and enforceable
under the law that governs the bout contract.
The WBC shall not recognize an option under this provision shall not be recognized by the
WBC or enforceable if it is: (a) prohibited in the jurisdiction that governs the bout contract;or (b) otherwise prohibited by law.
2.34 Time Limitations on Mandatory Options. A promoter receiving an option granted to him
pursuant to the preceding rule must stage the option bout within six (6) months from the9date of the initial bout or sooner if ordered by the WBC. The WBC may permit an option
to be extended beyond its stated term if the bout cannot be promoted within such term due
to matters beyond the control of the promoter, if such option may be extended under suchcircumstances according to its terms and it is legally binding.
2.35 Voluntary Options. A boxer may voluntarily grant options to a promoter, and the WBC
will recognize such options as valid, binding, and enforceable unless: (1) such options areinvalid or invalidated due to breach of the terms stipulated in such contract; or (2) the WBC
determines that such options are unfair or abusive pursuant to Rule 2.39 below.
2.36 Procedures Related to Options. In order to be recognized by the WBC, all option
agreements must comply with these Rules & Regulations and with any applicable WBC
rulings, be validly executed, and be filed by promoters with the WBC. All bouts held
pursuant to options must comply in all respects with these Rules & Regulations and withany applicable WBC rulings.
2.37 WBC Bouts Take Priority Over Options. A promoter’s exercise of any option is subject tothe WBC’s right to order or sanction mandatory or voluntary bouts in accordance with theseRules & Regulations, and may not interfere with the responsibilities of any boxer to comply
with the rulings of the WBC.
2.38 Unfair Economic Value of Option. The WBC may deny its sanction of any bout to be held
pursuant to an option contract if the WBC determines in its sole discretion that theeconomic value of the option is so low that could be considered unfair or abusive toward
the boxer.
2.39 Exclusive Promotional Agreements. The WBC does not recognize exclusive promotional
agreements between a promoter and a boxer. Therefore, the WBC may, at is sole
discretion, deem determine that any such agreement constitutes a contractual impediment tothe boxer fulfilling his obligations under the Rules & Regulations.
2.40 License. In consideration of the benefit derived from the use of the WBC’s exclusive
intellectual property rights including, but not limited to the WBC’s trademarks andsanction, each promoter, boxer, and all other participants in any WBC-sanctioned bout isdeemed to and hereby expressly consents to the use by the WBC of their names,
trademarks, image, likeness, and descriptions of such bout and its participants, and any andall video/digital footage featuring their images or owned by them or in which they haveusage rights, for the purposes of promoting the bout, its action, and its result, the WBC
Championships, and the WBC itself, as well as for the purpose of training of WBC officials
and members and preserving historical records of the WBC. Nothing in this Rules &Regulations shall prevent the WBC from seeking to obtain a license(s) from a boxer or any
other participant in a WBC-sanctioned bout for any commercial purposes including, but notlimited to co-branding. Such a license(s) shall be memorialized and documented through alegally binding agreement between the WBC or its assignee, on the one hand, and the boxer
or other participant or their authorized representative, on the other hand.
WBC Officials
2.41 Appointment of Judges and Referees. The WBC President shall be responsible forappointing, approving, or accepting judges and referees as ring officials for WBC contests.
Such officials should be, and the WBC shall strive to appoint to the extent reasonably
possible, from countries neutral to the boxers, unless both boxers have the same nationality

10

or residence. At its sole discretion, the WBC may appoint officials from the country oforigin of one of the boxers: (1) by recognizing an agreement between the boxers; or (2) due
to economic or other extraordinary circumstances. The WBC President and his designees
have full authority to reach agreements with local commissions regarding any and all
aspects of the appointment of ring officials, or to permit bouts to occur with the WBC
reserving its rights in accordance with these Rules & Regulations.
2.42 Examinations for Officials. All judges and referees shall take and pass any and all physical,
performance, medical, ophthalmologic, and other tests as shall be mandated by the local
commission for the bout, as well as the official’s local federation and the WBC.
2.43 Conduct of Ring Officials. Ring officials appointed to work WBC-sanctioned bouts, at all
times when acting on behalf of the WBC in an official capacity or as a ring official
generally, are to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner in and out of the ring andexercise their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the procedures and practices
contained in the WBC Ring Officials Guide and the WBC Code of Ethics. Every official
appointed by the WBC should be a member in good standing of the WBC or an affiliatedfederation. Appointment as an official in a WBC-sanctioned contest is a privilege, not aright.
2.44 WBC Supervisors. The WBC should be represented at all sanctioned contests by aSupervisor or Supervisors appointed by the WBC President, the President’s designee, or therespective Federation president or committee chairman. With respect to the bout, the WBC
Supervisor shall have the authority to make any and all decisions and take all actions
necessary to interpret and enforce these Rules & Regulations and the WBC’s rulings,
subject only to review by the WBC President, the President’s designee, and/or Board ofGovernors.
2.45 WBC Representatives at WBC Bouts. The WBC Supervisor shall be seated at the local
commission’s table so that he may reasonably supervise and tally the scoring of the judges
after every round and to be able to perform his other responsibilities. The President of theWBC must also be seated at the commission`s table against the ring. The promoter(s) of
any WBC-sanctioned contest is also specifically obligated to arrange for or provide tickets
for up to five (5) numbered ringside seats to accommodate additional WBC officials andexecutives in the technical zone, or, if not available, immediately adjacent to the ring
2.46 Promoters’ Obligations for WBC Representatives’ Expenses. The promoter(s) of any
WBC-sanctioned contest shall pay all expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals,
and other incidental expenses, of all ring officials, and also for the WBC Supervisor(s).
Attendance by the WBC President and any of his designees at any WBC-sanctioned contest
will be in an official capacity, and the promoter shall pay all of the transportation, lodging,meals, and other incidental expenses for the WBC President and or his designees to attend
the event.
2.47 Fees for Ring Officials. A schedule of minimum fees to be paid to supervisors and ring
officials will be designated by the WBC from time to time, and the promoter must pay such
fees as required. The payment of fees to the ring officials must be made directly by the
WBC Supervisor or by the local boxing commission under his supervision.
WBC Championship Belts

112.48 Belts Provided for Each Division. The WBC will award championship belts to thechampions of each weight division. The promoter of any WBC championship is expressly
obligated to pay for a new title belt in the event that a new champion is crowned.
2.49 Ownership of Belt. Once a boxer wins a WBC championship, the physical belt becomes his
property; provided, however, that the WBC retains the exclusive worldwide rights, interest,
title and ownership of any and all copyright, trademark, trade name, design patent and allother intellectual property rights in any way associated with the utility, appearance, design,or ownership of the WBC title belts and any symbol or copyrighted material appearing
therein. The WBC shall have the right to prohibit a boxer’s display of a WBC title belt at
any time, including but not limited to circumstances that the WBC its sole discretion deems
inappropriate or that otherwise brings dishonor upon the WBC or the sport of boxing. By
accepting the title belt and the benefits associated with its possession, all boxers and theirrepresentatives are deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be bound by and comply with
the WBC Rules & Regulations and any rulings of the WBC concerning the display of theboxer’s WBC title belt and with the WBC rights under governing trade name, copyright,
trademark, design patent, and all other applicable intellectual property laws and regulations.
2.50 Champion Must Bring His Belt into the Ring. A WBC champion must always bring, andwear or have prominently displayed, his championship belt when he enters the ring forevery defense of his title. If he does not bring his championship belt to the ring, he will be
subject to a fine and other disciplinary measures by the WBC. The champion must give thechampionship belt to the WBC Supervisor before the beginning of the bout, so that it may
be awarded to the winner.
2.51 Presentation of Belt. At the end of each championship contest, the WBC Supervisor(s), theWBC President if present, and the president of the local commission and local federation
shall go into the ring to present the belt to the champion on behalf of the WBC Board ofGovernors. The promoter of the contest is responsible to provide security, organize theceremony for presentation of the championship belt, and require the boxers to reasonably
assist so that such presentation can occur in an organized and efficient manner.
2.52 Subsequent Award of Belt to a New Champion. If a champion’s title belt is presented to a
new champion and an additional title belt is not available, following the presentation
ceremony the new champion must immediately return the former champion’s belt to the
WBC Supervisor, who shall return the belt to the former champion. The WBC will lateraward a new title belt to the new champion.

12

3.

ARTICLE III - CHAMPIONSHIP OBLIGATIONS

3.1

Timing of Defenses. The WBC’s policy is to offer opportunities to boxers to compete for
its titles, and thus the WBC seeks to prevent titles from being frozen due to inactivity bychampions. Therefore, a WBC champion should strive to defend the title in mandatory or
voluntary defenses at least three (3) times a year, unless a written exception or extension is
granted by the WBC in its sole discretion. Therefore, a WBC champion should strive todefend his title at least every one hundred twenty (120) days unless otherwise permitted by
the WBC in its sole discretion. Upon winning a title, a WBC champion must defend thetitle within 90 to 120 days or as otherwise ordered by the WBC, unless otherwise ordered or
permitted by the WBC in its sole discretion.

3.2

Recognition Subject to Forfeit. A champion who does not defend his title within the
periods set forth herein shall forfeit his title, unless the WBC in its sole discretion otherwise
permits. Further, the WBC may also withdraw recognition of a mandatory or qualifying
challenger for inactivity or failure to engage in any bout ordered by the WBC. A WBC
champion may not compete for hold a championship of another organization unlesspermitted by the WBC in its sole discretion.

3.3

Qualified Challengers. Champions shall defend their titles, either in a voluntary or
mandatory defense, against a challenger (each, a “Qualified Challenger”) in one of thefollowing categories:(a)any of the top ten (10) rated contenders; or(b)with the approval of or ratification by a majority of the Board of Governors,
i. any boxer rated 11 to 15;
ii. a champion or a highly-rated boxer of another weight division;iii. another WBC champion, such as a WBC Diamond or Silver Champion,
Champion Emeritus, or Champion in Recess;iv. a former world champion or other elite challenger;
v. a champion of another boxing organization recognized by the WBC; or(c)under special circumstances and with the approval of or ratification by two-third(2/3rd) of the Board of Governors, a contender not otherwise listed in one or more of
the above categories.

3.4

Voluntary Defenses. In order to fulfill their requirement to defend the title regularly in atimely manner, champions shall propose voluntary defenses against Qualified Challengers
as defined above. No bout shall qualify as a voluntary defense other than as permitted by
the WBC in accordance with these Rules & Regulations or any WBC rulings. Any bout
(voluntary or mandatory) in which a WBC World Champion would compete for or defend atitle or status other than his WBC World Championship, even if the WBC title is also atstake, is not permitted absent special circumstances, and then only following a prior written
request to and approval by the WBC, which in its sole discretion may approve, deny, or
impose such terms and conditions as it may determine appropriate under the facts andcircumstances on a case-by-case basis.

3.5

Mandatory Defense Obligations. All WBC champions shall make at least one (1)mandatory defense per year, unless an exception is granted by the WBC in its sole
discretion. A champion may be required to make more than one mandatory defense per13

year, if the WBC has designated more than one mandatory challenger for any reason. No
bout shall be considered a mandatory defense unless expressly approved as mandatory by
the WBC, and made exclusively against an official mandatory challenger designated by theWBC. A challenger who wins the title inherits the mandatory defense obligations of thechampion he defeated, unless the WBC in its sole discretion otherwise directs.
3.6

Timing and Extensions of Mandatory Defense Obligations. The time periods for mandatory
defenses stated in these Rules may be altered by the WBC in its sole discretion under
special circumstances, including if a champion has defended the title in a voluntary defense
against a contender the WBC may have deemed a mandatory challenger. No mandatory
bout may be contested until such time as is required for a mandatory defense under theseRules & Regulations, including any extensions that may be granted by the WBC in its sole
discretion.

3.7

Designation of Mandatory Challengers. The WBC shall always have the absolute and final
discretion to designate a mandatory challenger by:(a)ordering a final elimination bout of two qualified contenders;(b)designating a Qualified Challenger as the official mandatory challenger; or(c)ordering a unification bout with a champion of another organization recognized by
the WBC.

For the avoidance of doubt, the highest rated (or the highest rated available) boxer in the
WBC rankings is never, solely by virtue of such position, the official mandatory challenger.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, including any communications attributed to theWBC, no boxer shall be considered as, or claim any privileges associated with, being amandatory challenger unless (i) the boxer has been officially designated as such by the
WBC President or the President’s designated representative, and (ii) the WBC Board ofGovernors has voted to authorize or ratify the designation of such boxer as mandatory
challenger.
3.8

Special Bout Sanction(s). Under special circumstances, including but not limited to as about involving an elite contender, a champion of another organization, a match or
tournament that the WBC determines in its sole discretion would be in the best interests ofboxing, or any other applicable special circumstance, the WBC may order and/or sanction
any such bout, or each associated tournament bout, as either a voluntary or mandatory
defense under such terms and conditions as the WBC may impose in its sole discretion, andmay order that any such special bout take precedence over and occur prior to any previously
designated mandatory defense. A WBC Champion who participates in a Special Bout as
defined above shall be subject to any and all sanction fees applicable to the defense of the
WBC title he or she holds.
Under the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph, any previously-designatedmandatory challenge may be ordered by the WBC: (i) to occur immediately after the
special bout or tournament with no intervening bout, (ii) to be rescheduled to occur after
one or more voluntary bouts, or (ii) postponed by the WBC until such time as the champion
is required to defend against his next mandatory challenger, including any extensions that
may be granted by the WBC in accordance with these Rules & Regulations, or any
applicable WBC rulings.

14

Additionally, in order to permit the WBC to approve and sanction special tournaments for
any WBC championship, mandatory, or elimination position, the WBC has the authority, in
its sole discretion, to approve variations from any applicable WBC rule, championship rule,policy, or practice.
3.9

Elimination Bouts. The WBC may order one or more qualifying or elimination bouts andtournaments to determine ratings and to select the boxers that will compete in a final
elimination bout to designate an official mandatory challenger. Therefore, elimination
bouts do not necessarily result in the designation of an official mandatory challenger, andthe winner of an elimination bout does not become mandatory challenger, unless such bout
has been sanctioned by the WBC explicitly as a “final elimination” bout.
Only the winner of a final elimination bout shall become a mandatory challenger, and shallbe subject to the provisions of these Rules & Regulations and such additional conditions
and exceptions as may be imposed by the WBC in its discretion on a case-by-case basis.

3.10 Suspension or Revocation of Recognition Following Elimination Bout. Following anelimination or final elimination contest, the WBC may revoke recognition of the winner ofsuch bout as a qualifying or mandatory challenger if: (i) the WBC in its sole discretion
determines that (a) the outcome of the match was controversial or irregular or (b) despite
winning the bout, the winner’s performance was unsatisfactory or did not demonstratesufficient merit to advance; (ii) a winner remains inactive for an extended period in advanceof his final elimination or championship bout; or (iii) it otherwise serves the best interests ofthe sport.
Under such circumstances, the WBC may order a rematch, order one or more additional
qualifying, elimination, or final elimination bouts that include or exclude one or both of theprevious contenders, or designate Qualified Challenger as a mandatory challenger.
3.11 Immediate Rematch Policy. The WBC does not recognize immediate rematch clauses inbout agreements and will not sanction or authorize immediate rematches, unless it
determines in its sole discretion, with the authorization of or ratification by two-third (2/3rd)of the Board of Governors, that:(a)the conduct or result of the bout was controversial or irregular;(b)there is sufficient public demand; or(c)a direct rematch would otherwise be in the best interests of the division or boxing.

If the WBC determines that an immediate rematch is appropriate pursuant to this preceding
rule, it may order the rematch as a mandatory bout, permit a requested rematch as avoluntary bout, or sanction the bout as a special bout under Rule 3.8.
If the WBC orders such a rematch, it may also rule the winner of the immediate rematchcomply with mandatory defense obligations existing at the time of the original contest, or
may grant the winner one or more optional defenses prior to fulfilling any mandatory
obligations.
3.12 Rematch after Intervening Contest. The WBC may also order a rematch as a mandatory
defense after allowing an intervening contest. In such a case, the winner of the intervening
contest must face the other participant in the original bout and must comply with mandatory15

defense obligations existing at the time of the original bout, unless an exception due tospecial circumstances is granted by the WBC in its sole discretion.
3.13 Non-Title Bouts. A WBC Champion must always defend the WBC title if he boxes in thesame weight division as his championship. A WBC Champion may not engage in any title
or non-title bout in his weight division, or a title or non-title bout in any other weight
division, without requesting and receiving written permission for and/or a written sanctionof the bout from the WBC as a WBC “Special Event” under Rule 3.8.
In such circumstances, the WBC may in its sole discretion authorize a WBC champion to
engage in such a contest, provided, however, that the WBC Champion has requested andconsented that the proposed bout be sanctioned as a WBC Special Event to be governed by
the WBC’s Rules & Regulations, and pays all sanction fees required pursuant to Rule 7.
The champion’s title is subject to forfeiture for any failure to comply with this Rule.
3.14 Champions with Multiple Titles. In fairness to other boxers contending for WBC
championships, as a general rule, no WBC Champion may compete for an additional title inboxing or any other combative sport without first requesting and receiving a written
sanction of the bout from the WBC. If the WBC permits a champion to compete for an
additional title, the following rules apply:(a)

if a WBC Champion wins a WBC title in more than one weight division, the WBC
may grant the champion 15 days to elect which title the champion will keep andwhich the champion will vacate. If the WBC Champion then does not make such
an election, the WBC shall thereafter have the authority to vacate one of the titles as
it shall determine in its discretion; and(b)

if a WBC Champion wins a title of another organization, the WBC may grant thechampion 15 days to elect which title the champion will keep and which thechampion will vacate. If the WBC champion then does not make such an election,
the WBC shall thereafter have the authority to vacate the champion’s WBC title,
unless in the exercise of its sole discretion the WBC permits the champion to retain
both titles.

If with the WBC’s permission (i) a WBC Champion competes for a title in a different
weight division, or (ii) a WBC affiliated champion competes for a greater title, and in eithercase loses, the WBC may in its discretion but is not required to vacate the champion’s
original title, based upon its evaluation of the facts and circumstances.
3.15 Special Rule Regarding a Multiple Division World Champion. The WBC, in recognition ofboxing history, appreciates that extraordinary boxers have made a historic impact
benefitting all boxers and the sport as a whole by simultaneously winning and defending
titles in more than one weight division.
Therefore, a current WBC Champion who competes for and wins a WBC championship in
another weight division may, within fifteen (15) calendar days of winning the latterchampionship, make a request in writing to the WBC that the WBC continue to recognize
the boxer as WBC Champion of the other division.
In extreme special circumstances involving an elite champion, and only upon an affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the WBC Board of Governors in its sole discretion, the WBC maycontinue to recognize such boxer as WBC Champion in more than one division.

16

By making any such request to the WBC, the WBC Champion shall be deemed toautomatically agree, at risk of forfeitures of one or all of the Champion’s WBC titles to:(a)Abide by any WBC ruling(s) concerning mandatory defenses including, but notlimited to, defending the WBC championship in each division against the thendesignated WBC mandatory challenger at least every nine (9) months; and(b)

Obtain the WBC official sanction for both titles every time he or she enters the ring.
Further, in a situation involving a multiple division world champion, the multiple
champion must dispute all titles if the bout is set at the lowest weight division. In
the event the bout is at a higher weight division, the WBC Champion must request
in writing and receive from the WBC the express right to retain his title in a lower
weight division (which in the absence of such written consent of the WBC, may by
the WBC in its sole discretion to have been forfeited). If the champion then loses
the title defense in a higher weight division, the WBC shall have the option in its
sole discretion to declare a lower division championship vacant, or to ratify theboxer as the WBC Champion of the lower division, due to the step up in weight.

(c)

In any event, in recognition of the reduced benefit to the WBC and other boxers
resulting from the multiple championship, a multiple champion shall be and ishereby deemed to agree to pay 100% of the sanction fees corresponding to thedivision of the title match, and 50% of the other division(s). For the avoidance of
doubt, this provision shall be interpreted such that each duel champion will be
responsible to pay 100% of the sanction fees of the division the title contest isscheduled for and 50% of the other division.

3.16 Withdrawal or Suspension of Recognition. The privilege of competing for a WBC
designation or title, goodwill, trademarks, and other intellectual property associated with
any WBC championship or right, the WBC belts, or WBC-sanctioned bout, and the WBC
titles and designations, are each owned exclusively by the WBC. Therefore, the WBC may
suspend or withdraw recognition of a boxer as a WBC champion, challenger, or contender,
as it may determine in its sole discretion, for any reason justifying suspension orwithdrawal, including but not limited to violation of the WBC Constitution or these Rules& Regulations, holding the title of or fighting for another organization without the approvalor sanction of the WBC, or conviction and/or imprisonment for a crime involving moral
turpitude or any other serious moral offense.
3.17 Petition for Reconsideration. In the event that the WBC suspends or withdraws its
recognition of a boxer as a champion or challenger under these Rules, such action will bedeemed final, and the WBC may undertake any action to fill a vacant title or establish
challengers as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion, provided, however, that theaffected party may request reconsideration solely in accordance with Article V hereof.
3.18 Filling a Vacant Title. If a title becomes vacant for any reason, the Board of Governors
may in its discretion authorize whatever steps or actions it deems necessary or appropriate
to fill the title, including but not limited to:(a)instituting a tournament or elimination contest(s) among Qualified Challengers;(b)ordering a championship contest between two Qualified Challengers; or

17

(c)

recognizing as champion the winner of a previous elimination bout.

3.19 Conditions upon New Champion. The WBC may, as it in its sole discretion deems properand necessary, impose conditions upon a new champion filling a vacant title, including but
not limited to ordering the first defense of the title as a mandatory defense against a WBCdesignated challenger (who may be any Qualified Challenger or a challenger selected
through a final elimination bout or a WBC-recognized tournament). Upon request, theWBC may in its discretion approve one or more voluntary defenses prior to ordering amandatory defense.
3.20 Inactivity of a Champion. If a WBC Champion is or may become inactive in a manner thatmay prevent or unduly delay him from fulfilling his voluntary and mandatory defense
obligations in the timeframe determined by the WBC on a case by case basis, based upon
the unique facts and circumstances existing at that time in the division, the WBC may
declare the championship vacant and order one or more bouts to fill the vacant title. Such
inactivity may be either (i) a period of past and continuing inactivity or (ii) potential future
inactivity that may prevent a champion from defending his title in a timely manner as
required under these Rules.
The WBC may make such a determination based upon special circumstances, which may
include, but not be limited to:(a)medical issues or injury;(b)legal issues or contractual impediments;(c)personal or family issues; or(d)other controversy or circumstances whether or not beyond the control of the boxer
or the WBC.

It is the sole responsibility of a WBC Champion to notify the WBC in writing in a timely
manner of any circumstances that may prevent him from complying with his title defense
obligations. In the event that a champion fails to notify the WBC in a timely manner ofsuch circumstances, the WBC may take appropriate actions including vacating the title or
imposing other penalties.
3.21 Champion in Recess. In certain cases, under the preceding Rule, the WBC may in its
discretion designate a Champion as a “Champion in Recess,” such that upon the boxer’s
return, he will qualify to box for the championship as an elite contender for the newchampion, or as the returning champion. The WBC may order or permit a returning
Champion in Recess to box directly for the title in a mandatory or voluntary contest, or tobox one or more Qualified Challengers in order to retain his status as Champion in Recess.
A Champion in Recess may return as a mandatory challenger, but only upon the specificdetermination and written approval of such status by the WBC Board of Governors, which
may approve or deny such request in its sole discretion.
3.22 Interim Championship Rule. In special circumstances, including when the WBC in its sole
discretion declares a WBC champion temporarily unavailable to defend his title, the WBC
may sanction a bout between Qualified Challengers for an interim championship, orotherwise recognize an interim champion in the division.

18

In its sole discretion, the WBC shall subsequently determine the timing and terms of any
bout between a Champion and Interim Champion to determine a sole champion in thedivision, provided, however, that an Interim Champion shall never be deemed a mandatory
challenger, or entitled to greater share of proceeds of any purse offer beyond that of achallenger, without a specific prior written order to that effect from the WBC President or
his designee.
For the avoidance of doubt, a WBC Interim World Championship shall be considered a true
WBC World title for all purposes, other than with respect to a bout versus the actual WorldChampion, absent any order to the contrary from the WBC in its sole discretion.
3.23 Diamond Championship. The Diamond Championship is a special award and distinction
which the WBC presents to the winner of an extraordinary fight between elite boxers. In its
discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may impose, the WBC may recognize a WBC
Diamond Champion of the World in each weight division. The WBC may award the
Diamond Championship to recognize the most extraordinary and elite boxer in a division oras a special distinction, or may sanction a bout for the title as an extraordinary bout, undersuch terms and conditions as the WBC may designate in its sole discretion. Under
extremely special circumstances, the WBC may in its discretion designate the DiamondChampion as supreme champion in the division. The Diamond Champion shall be subject
only to such obligations, if any, in a case-by-case basis, to defend the title as the WBC may
impose or permit in its sole discretion. The Diamond Champion may be permitted tovoluntarily defend the Diamond Championship; however, a challenger may not win the
Diamond Championship unless a special sanction has been granted by the WBC in its sole
discretion. The WBC may also order the Diamond Champion to comply with all defense
and other obligations applicable to WBC World Champions hereunder.
3.24 Silver Championship. In its discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may impose, theWBC may award WBC Silver Championships of the World in each weight division. The
WBC Silver Championship is a title superior to all WBC championships except the Worldor Diamond Championships. The WBC may designate the challengers for a Silver
Championship from among any Qualified Challengers. A Silver Champion must comply
with all defense and other obligations applicable to WBC World Champions hereunder as
the WBC shall order in its discretion. A Silver Champion shall not be a mandatory
challenger for the WBC World Championship absent winning a final elimination bout for
the World title, unless a majority vote of the WBC Board of Governors, in its sole
discretion, authorizes such appointment.
3.25 Champion Emeritus. In its discretion, the WBC may, upon a 2/3rd vote of the Board ofGovernors, designate in each weight category one or more WBC Champions Emeritus. The
WBC may bestow the recognition of WBC Champion Emeritus upon a present or past
WBC World Champion of extraordinary prestige, reputation, stature, or everlasting legacy
in the sport. A WBC Champion Emeritus shall also be an Ambassador of Good Will on
behalf of the WBC.
A WBC Champion Emeritus shall be free to display and exhibit his special belt in anysocial ceremony or sports event. The WBC Champion Emeritus recognition is the highestof honors the WBC grants to any boxer, and cannot be lost or transferred to anyone insideor outside the ring. Champion Emeritus recognition may be withdrawn only by the WBC
its sole discretion in the event that the WBC determines, in its sole discretion, that a holderof that recognition has brought dishonor upon the WBC or the sport of boxing. A
Champion Emeritus may request an immediate challenge to a WBC World Champion in his

19division without first boxing in an elimination contest, and if a mandatory challenger has
previously been designated, the WBC may pursuant to Rule 3.8 order that the Champion
Emeritus compete first for the title as an immediate mandatory challenger, but in any event,
only upon the prior written approval of such status by the affirmative vote of the WBC
Board of Governors, which may approve or deny such request in its sole discretion.
3.26 Franchise Boxer. The Franchise Boxer is a special designation and status which the WBC
may bestow to a current WBC World Champion, who is also an elite boxer, and who has
achieved and maintains the highest of statures in the sport. In its discretion, the WBC may,upon a 2/3rd vote of the Board of Governors, designate in each weight category one WBC
Franchise Boxer. A Franchise Boxer shall enjoy special status with respect to his or her
mandatory obligations, holding multiple titles and competing for titles of otherorganizations, as the WBC Board of Governors, in its sole discretion, rules on a case-bycase basis.
3.27 Twelve Round Restriction. World title bouts between male boxers shall be twelve (12)rounds of three (3) minutes each in duration. In order to ensure safety of all boxers, no
WBC champion or challenger will be authorized to compete at any event with any bout ofover twelve (12) rounds. Associated WBC titles may be competed at 12 rounds or less, asordered by the affiliated entity or committee, or by agreement between the WBC and the
local commission.

4.

ARTICLE IV – MEDICAL AND ANTI-DOPING REGULATIONS

Medical Regulations
4.1

WBC Medical Advisory Board. The WBC shall have a medical advisory board orcommittee consisting of one or more chairmen and one or more vice-chairmen from thecontinental federations. The medical advisory board shall be charged with (a) studying andmaking recommendations to the WBC Board of Governors; and (b) proposing rules andpolicies, regarding health and safety measures for boxers. The WBC and the medical
advisory board may hold medical congresses, conferences, and regular seminars to study
and update their recommendations to the WBC.

4.2

WBC-Ordered Examinations. Prior to approving any boxer to compete in a WBC bout, theWBC may require the boxer to obtain and provide to the WBC such medical examinations
and medical test results as the WBC may deem necessary to confirm the boxer’s health andability to compete safely. Such examinations and tests should conform to the standards
promulgated from time to time by the WBC medical advisory board, and may include any
health testing deemed necessary under each boxer’s unique circumstances. Each boxer isalso deemed to have consented and, by accepting the benefits associated with their
participation in the WBC, agrees to the disclosure to the WBC of all the medical
information and test results so that the WBC may make a complete evaluation of all
relevant facts, as well as the disclosure by the WBC to other authorities or to the public ofany medical information relevant to the WBC’s decision to approve or disapprove theboxer, or to impose disciplinary sanctions in doping matters.

4.3

Examination for Licensing. All boxers shall submit themselves to a complete medical
examination as may be required to obtain their licenses by their respective boxing
commissions or in any jurisdiction in which they will compete, in addition to suchexaminations as the WBC may mandate.

20

4.4

Responsibility of Local Commission for Enforcement. It shall be the sole responsibility ofthe boxing commission where a WBC contest will occur to promulgate, implement, andconduct any and all medical tests or examinations as are necessary to ensure the health,safety, and well-being of boxers, with the WBC having the option, at its own discretion, ofproviding its advice and consent. In no case shall the WBC be liable to a boxer, promoter,manager or to any participant of a bout where a WBC contest occurs for any acts oromissions of a local commission concerning medical tests or examinations including, but
not limited to, failure to collect samples and/or conduct anti-doping testing.

4.5

Compliance Responsibilities. The responsibility for compliance with all medical
requirements, standards, rules, and regulations rests with the boxers and theirrepresentatives, trainers, managers, promoters, and with the boxing commissions where theboxers reside and/or where the contests may occur. Therefore, the WBC shall have no
responsibility or liability whatsoever for any consequence resulting from non-complianceby any party with these medical rules, and shall be indemnified and held harmless by allparties.

4.6

Penalties for Failure to Comply. If a boxer fails to submit to any examination or test
required by these rules or ordered by the WBC, the WBC may take such actions as it deems
appropriate in its sole discretion with respect to boxers, trainers, managers, promoters, etc.,
including but not limited to imposing fines, suspensions, removal from the ratings,
revocation of challenger status and opportunities, or vacating a title.

4.7

Unsatisfactory Results or Verification. If the WBC determines in its sole discretion that aboxer is medically unfit or that the boxer’s condition to safely compete cannot beadequately verified, the WBC may remove the boxer from its ratings, suspend the boxer
from competition, or revoke the boxer’s status as a challenger or champion.

4.8

Examination Protocols. Medical examinations and testing for licensing or approval ofboxers should include the following examinations and tests, which may be revised fromtime to time by the WBC medical review board:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

general: blood type, allergies, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, weight
eyes: visual screening, acuity, fields, intraocular pressures, dilated fundoscopy
ears: otoscopy
mouth: pharynx, teeth
adenopathies, lungs, heart (abdominal palpitation)
hernia, testicles, tendon reflexes
upper extremities and lower extremities
skin or suppurative wounds or lesions; urinalysis
magnetic resonance angiography to detect arterial abnormalities
blood test (hemoglobin and hematocrit); serology
screening for blood-borne pathogens such as HIV (performed 2-4 weeks prior to thecontest), Hepatitis B and C
electrocardiogram and echocardiogram if cardiac risk factors are presentskull, neck and chest X-ray
yearly testing for top 10 ranked boxers, with MRI and neuropsychological testing.
CAT scan/PET, after defeats by KO, or when ordered by Commission doctors
a questionnaire on present and past health, recent and past injuries, as well as drugs,
alcohol and smoking habits

21

4.9

Risk Factors. The following risk factors should also be considered prior to approving aboxer for any bout:
▪
▪
▪

▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

any congenital or acquired neurological abnormality, including both major or minor
epilepsy (Grand Mal or Petit Mal), migraine, or any congenital or acquired
abnormalities observed in CT or MRI scans, or in an EEG tracing
any psychological disorder such as depression, schizophrenia, or hypomania
any pathology in the eye, including cataracts, detachments, holes or tears of theretina, retinal hemorrhages or exudates, or any other intraocular pathology which, inthe opinion of the WBC medical advisory board, would endanger a boxer’s sight or
healthuncorrected visual standards of less than 6/9 in one eye and 6/18 in the other should
not be approved
blood pressure higher than 140/90 after prolonged rest
any congenital or acquired cardiovascular disorder, or any congenital or acquired
circulatory problem
chest problems such as chronic asthma, emphysema, active tuberculosis and acutechest infections
any acute or chronic gastrointestinal abnormalities, hernias, etc.
any acquired or congenital genitourinary abnormalities including hematuria otherthan that caused by effort, proteinuria, and active venereal infections, including HIV /AIDSacute perforations of the eardrum, and acute sinusitis, acute or chronic infections of
the middle or inner ear, including labyrinthitis and vertigo
any severe skeletal abnormality or deformity which may impair the performance of aboxer, such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, or recurrent dislocations
any infectious skin condition
diabetes, thyroid, or other endocrinological abnormalities or diseases
anemia, or other chronic or acute blood disorders, reticulosis, or any malignant
disease even when in remission
a positive MRA for arterial abnormalities
the boxer’s age including whether the boxer is under the age of 18
if the boxer is female, the possibility of pregnancy (which would disqualify the boxer
from competing)chromosomal abnormalities

4.10 Extensive Examinations for Boxers at Increased Risk. More extensive examinations should
be made of boxers at increased risk. The increased risk category includes:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

boxers over 35 years of age
boxers with a high number of bouts or a significant number of highly contested bouts
boxers with poor performances, such as three consecutive losses by TKO/KO or six
consecutive losses
boxers with history of severe concussions
boxers who have not boxed in three or more years

Boxers with increased risk should undergo extensive examinations on an annual basis
and/or prior to sparring or competing. Such examinations should include at least thefollowing:▪
▪

general physical examinationneurological exam by a neurologist or neurosurgeon

22

▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

stress EKG and echocardiogram if cardiac risk factors are present (family history ofheart attack under the age of 50, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia)
annual MRI to provide evidence of no injury
screen for age-related diseases
ophthalmologic exam including dilated fundoscopy
annual neuropsychiatric testing to provide evidence of no deterioration

The WBC may order a boxer at increased risk to undergo performance testing conducted by
an impartial panel of trainers or other boxing experts appointed by the WBC.
4.11 Boxers Suffering from Detached Retinas. No boxer will be authorized to box in a WBC
bout if he has had a detached retina, even following an operation to correct suchdetachment, unless his participation in the bout is authorized after examination by two
independent ophthalmologists chosen or approved by the WBC medical advisory board.
4.12 Examination Prior to Bouts Outside Boxer’s Jurisdiction. For a boxer to travel outside hishome boxing jurisdiction to participate in a WBC contest, his local boxing commission
shall have sole responsibility to administer medical exams and/or tests and to certify his
fitness to compete. The local medical officer should issue a certificate, preferably attached
to or recorded in the boxer’s International Boxers Traveling Visa instituted by the WBC,
including the following exams:▪ ophthalmology: vision; eye fondi; peripheral vision testing▪ neurology: reflexes, Romberg, nystagmus▪ weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate time recovery▪ maxilar: teeth, abnormalities to prevent possible inferior maxilar fractures
4.13 Examinations before WBC Bouts: Between four to six weeks before a WBC championshipbout, the promoter has the responsibility to have administered, through the local
commission’s medical officer or a doctor or institution approved by the WBC, examinationsof both boxers in accordance with the WBC medical regulations. Such examinations
should include:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate time recovery
HIV test
thorough examination, with special attention to the nervous and skeletal systemthorough examination of the eyes with special attention to visual acuity and eye fondiwith dilated pupil examination
notation of any allergies, use of medications or other drugs, or otherwise
blood tests for hemoglobin, serology and blood grouping
chest X-ray, CAT scan if necessary or if not taken within the current year, andcomplete micro-urinalysis
thorough questionnaire about his present and past health, both physical and mental

The results of such medical examinations should be sent to the WBC Executive Office in
Mexico City no later than 30 days prior to the date of the bout.
The local boxing commission’s medical exams will be accepted as valid at the request of
the boxer, if they contain the same exams as listed above.
4.14 Safety Weigh-Ins. The final and official weigh-in of the boxers shall occur no less than 24hours but not more than 30 hours prior to a WBC bout due to the possible adverse results of23

dehydration and subsequent rehydration of boxers to make the required weight limit for about. Further, in order to encourage safe weight loss in advance of a WBC bout, additional
official safety weigh-ins are to be held 30 and 7 days prior to the official 30-24-hour weighin for non-heavyweight boxers. The boxers’ weight should be as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)

30-day weigh-in: 30 days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed
10% of the weight limit for the bout;
14-day weigh-in: 14-days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed
5% of the weight limit for the bout
7-day weigh-in: 7 days prior to the bout, the boxers’ weight should not exceed 3%of the weight limit for the bout.

Boxers and their representatives, managers, and trainers, and promoters, and not the WBC,are solely responsible to arrange the pre-bout safety weigh-ins and medical examinations
and tests required by this rule. Failure on the part of those parties to comply with this rule’s
requirements may result in the WBC taking such actions as it deemed appropriate in its sole
discretion including, but not limited to, imposing fines, suspensions, removal from theratings, revocation of challenger status and opportunities, or vacating a title.
In the event that a boxer exceeds any weight limitation stated above, the WBC may, for thesafety of the boxer or his opponent, revoke or deny its sanction of the bout, in addition to
any other disciplinary action as it shall deem appropriate in its discretion.
4.15 Out-of-Competition and Day-of-the-Bout Weigh-Ins. The WBC has promulgated and has
notified boxers and their representatives of its protocols, rules, and regulations regarding
boxers' weight management procedures, which govern both the WBC’s out-of-competition
weight monitoring and measuring, and day-of-the-bout weigh in, which protocols,
including specifically the WBC Weight Management Program ("WMP") Protocol, and anyother rules, and regulations the WBC promulgates are expressly incorporated herein byreference and governed hereby. The WBC WMP is an additional program with respect tothe: (1) mandatory official weigh in the WBC conducts in conjunction with the commissionof the locality where the bout takes place; and (2) 30-, 14- and 7-day pre-fight weigh ins
program the WBC Safety Committee conducts in compliance with the WBC Rules &Regulations for all WBC championship bouts and eliminators. The WBC WMPCommittee is the administrator of all aspects of the WBC WMP processes. The WBC shallalways have the right and option to take any measures necessary for the implementation,
operation, administration, or optimization of its WMP and its protocols.
4.16 Extraordinary Medical Weight Measures. When necessary, the WBC may require fat
tissue laboratory exams on boxers with weight issues to assess their rating in certain
weight divisions, and more importantly to protect their health by not allowing their
participation in bouts in weight divisions which could put their health in danger.
4.17 Medical Examination at Weigh-In. The local boxing commission has the responsibility toarrange for and conduct physical examinations prior to all WBC-sanctioned bouts at theweigh-in ceremony, which shall occur for all weight divisions including heavyweight. The
exams shall include:▪
▪
▪

blood pressure and heart rate; stethoscope examination of heart and lungs
thorough examination of the eyes, ears, and throat
tests for rombergism, reflexes, power, and coordination

24

▪
▪

direct questioning about the use of any medicines or drugs, or any artificial means forweight reduction
direct questioning about any recent medical symptoms, including headaches, visual
disturbances, loss of concentration, general fatigue or other symptoms

The local commission medical panel and/or the WBC Supervisor(s) upon the advice of alicensed physician may arrange for the collection of blood and/or urine samples or any
other exam if, in the pre-bout medical examination, signs of serious dehydration or drugs
are detected or are suspected.
4.18 Post-Bout Examinations. The local ringside doctors should follow the contestants back to
the dressing rooms or to the anti-doping test designated area, if any, to check that bothboxers are in satisfactory condition or institute any treatment or make any recommendationthat may be required. The doctor(s) shall issue a written report of the post-bout
examinations.
4.19 Post Knockout Examinations. In order to protect the health and welfare of boxers, a boxer
who has been knocked-out should undergo a medical examination as quickly as possible
after the bout. Such examinations should be conducted under the authority of local
commission where the bout occurred, the boxer’s local commission, or any medical
authority approved by the WBC. The following examinations should be conducted on aboxer who suffers a knockout, technical knockout, or other circumstance in which the boxer
has sustained extraordinary severity of blows in a bout or in training:▪
▪
▪
▪

a physical examination, including a complete neurological examination withparticular reference to the pupils and optic fundi;
MRI/CAT Scan;
Electronystagmography;
any other medical examination or test recommended by the WBC medical
advisory board or the attending physician, neurologist or neurosurgeon

4.20 Report of Knockouts. The local boxing commission and the manager or otherrepresentative of a knocked-out boxer must immediately report the knockout to the boxer’s
local commission or federation that licensed the boxer.
4.21 Rest Periods after Knockout. Boxers that suffered concussion or any other serious headtrauma or injury by knockout should not participate in sparring sessions for a minimum of
45 days, and no less than 30 days after any other concussive trauma, including but notlimited to knockout.
4.22 Suspension after Knockouts. A boxer suffering a knockout should be suspended for sixty(60) days. A boxer suffering two (2) consecutive knockouts should be suspended for one
hundred twenty (120) days. A boxer suffering three (3) consecutive knockouts should besuspended for one hundred eighty (180) day, during which his license should be revoked
and confiscated, pending special thorough medical examinations, after which othernecessary medical measures might be taken.
4.23 Emergency Equipment at the Ring. The local boxing commission is responsible to ensurethat emergency equipment is at the ring before commencement of the boxing program,including the following recommended measures:▪

a portable resuscitator or similar equipment tested to be in working order

25

▪
▪
▪

a stretcher under or near at the ring apron for easy availability
ambulance parked in a secured and freely accessible place outside the boxing arenafor one (1) hour before and after the program, staffed with paramedics skilled inresuscitationa telephone at ringside for the use of medical officers

4.24 Medical Facilities. The local boxing commission is responsible to ensure that its medical
staff has made arrangements for any injured boxer to be taken to a local hospital equippedwith a trauma, accident, emergency, or neurosurgical unit, as well as a neurosurgeon on
call. Further, the WBC recommends that at the boxing venue, the local boxing commission
designate a room set aside for medical purposes only, which should be adequately lit, havean examination table, hot and cold running water, and a treatment trolley, and that the chief
doctor and the promoter of the program be responsible for ensuring this on-site medicalroom has been designated and equipped to provide for an emergency.
4.25 Role of Medical Officers at WBC-Sanctioned Bouts. Although local boxing commissions
are responsible for medical supervision of all boxing matches including WBC-sanctioned
contests, it is the WBC’s desire and strong recommendation that the following measures be
adopted in boxing matches of all kinds, and especially in WBC bouts:(d)There should be no less than two (2) doctors present, one (1) of whom (the seniordoctor) must be and remain at ringside throughout the bout, while his assistant orcolleague must be ready to go to the dressing rooms should any medical
emergencies arise while a bout is in progress, for example involving a boxer thathas competed earlier. All doctors must be skilled in the management of an
unconscious patient.

(e)Each doctor should attend the boxing event fully equipped, including
sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, suturing material,
patella hammer, an emergency airway, and a portable resuscitator in case of
emergency.

(f)Doctors should visit the boxers prior to the contest to advise and ensure that no
stimulant or any kind of prohibited drug is used before or during the contest.

(g)During a contest, the referee may call time out and invite the ring doctor to examine
a boxer for a cut or other injury, or to evaluate the boxer’s ability to continue.
During the sixty (60) second rest period, a ring doctor may also on his own
initiative examine a boxer in his corner, although he should not interfere with theseconds’ work; the doctor may then advise the referee of his medical opinion as tothe boxer’s injuries and ability to continue.

(h)During a fight, no prohibited hemostatics or artificial coverings should be used tostop bleeding. The only substances permitted to be used by the corner men during about are water or approved electrolyte beverages, Vaseline, ice, and adrenaline
1/1000, Aventine, or another WBC approved hemostatics. No liniments or otherastringent lotions (which could affect wounds on boxers or a person’s) should beapplied to boxers before or during the bout. The use of smelling salts, amyl nitrite,
or similar substances is also not permitted.

(i)

A doctor, the WBC Supervisor, or any official of the WBC or local boxing
commission may instruct the referee to, or himself may, confiscate any substance26

suspected of being prohibited, or the referee may do so at his discretion. Any such
substance should be immediately placed in the custody of the WBC or the local
commission for further examination and investigation.
(j)

If the senior doctor deems it necessary that a fight should be stopped because ofserious damage or risk to a boxer’s health, he must immediately advise the referee.
In a WBC bout, this should be done by handing the red card provided by the WBC
to the referee as an indication of the doctor’s recommendation to stop the fight,
provided, that the decision and authority whether to stop a fight always belongs
solely to the referee.

(k)After a boxer is counted out, or a bout is stopped and the boxer fails to stand up,
doctors should immediately enter the ring, with or without the referee’s call, remove
the boxer’s mouthpiece if still in the boxer’s mouth, establish adequate ventilation,
and attend to the boxer as necessary under the circumstances.

4.26 Investigation of Fatal Injuries. The WBC medical advisory board shall be responsible forstudying fatalities of boxers, and to develop safety recommendations resulting from suchstudies. Factors and records to be reviewed should include:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

autopsy reports
files of medical examinations
reports of pre-contest training and lifestyle prior to the fatal boutnutritional history
boxing record, knockouts received, boxing style and difficult contests during theboxer’s life
medical file and physical record
autopsy reports
potential contributing factors such as any use of drugs, alcohol, etc.

Following a bout involving a fatality, the WBC medical advisory board may be requested
to prepare a report containing the conclusions of its investigation. Based upon suchinvestigations, the WBC medical advisory board may prepare reports and makerecommendations to implement additional safety measures for future contests.
4.27 All Injuries to be Reported. For the protection of boxers and to ensure that licensing andsanctioning decisions are based upon all relevant medical information and history, allinjuries in boxing gyms must be reported to the local boxing commissions and the WBC
prior to a boxer’s participation in any contest. Further, all injuries suffered by a boxer,whether or not related to boxing or training, must be reported to the boxing commission of
his jurisdiction by the boxer and his trainers, manager, and/or personal doctor.
4.28 Manager and Trainer Education. Managers and trainers should take courses and obtaincertificates of attendance at seminars and programs relating to health and safety of boxers,
including programs regarding nutrition, physiology, drugs, dangerous hemostatics,
diuretics, and other dangerous substances, as well as boxing rules and training programs.
4.29 WBC Referees and Judges. Referees and judges for WBC contests should pass a yearly
medical examination including neurological and ophthalmological testing. Referees musthave a pre-bout examination at the weigh-in for reflexes, blood pressure, heart rate,nystagmus, and a Romberg test. Ensuring that these requirements are satisfied is the
responsibility of the various local boxing commissions.

27

Anti-Doping Testing
4.30 Doping in Boxers. Boxers rated or participating in any contest sanctioned by the WBC
shall not take, ingest, or have administered to him any substance, medicine, or drug, or
engage in any artificial procedures such as blood doping transfusions, to or that may
enhance or reduce the boxer’s performance in the ring.
4.31 All Drugs and Procedures to Be Reported. If a boxer is taking any form of medication orother drug or substance, or has any oral, intravenous or other procedure prior to a WBC
contest, he and his representatives shall report that fact immediately, but not later than therules meeting for the bout, to the WBC, the local commission, and the attending doctors.
4.32 Anti-Doping Protocols. The WBC shall issue each championship and elimination boutsanction on the expectation of, and reliance upon, each of the boxers, their representatives,and local commissions’ full cooperation with the WBC and each other in the scheduling,
administration and conduct of anti-doping testing.
4.33 WBC Authority; Express Consent. The WBC reserves the exclusive right to design, create,
and implement such testing protocols, including out-of-competition testing, in-competition
testing, and post-competition testing, as it may deem necessary and appropriate to deter,
detect, prevent, and address doping matters. All participants in WBC activities, byparticipating in such activities, expressly agree and are deemed to consent to the WBC’s
authority in anti-doping matters.
4.34 Out-of-Competition and In-Competition Anti-Doping Testing. The WBC has promulgatedand has notified boxers and their representatives of its protocols, rules, and regulations
regarding regulated substances and practices, and governing both the WBC’s out-ofcompetition anti-doping testing and in-competition anti-doping testing, which protocols,
including specifically the WBC Clean Boxing Program ("CBP") Protocol, and any otherrules, and regulations the WBC promulgates are expressly incorporated herein by reference
and governed hereby. Any and all Eligible Boxers under the CBP shall comply with allenrollment, notification, whereabouts mandates and any other requirement of the CBP.
Failure to do so, shall result in the WBC imposing any and all penalties as set forth in the
CBP Protocol, at the sole discretion of the WBC.
4.35 Competition Testing; Responsibilities of Local Commissions. In any jurisdiction in which
the local commission performs anti-doping testing immediately after or before a WBC
contest (“Competition Testing”), it shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility andobligation of the local commission, not the WBC, to arrange for such anti-doping testing,including hiring an outside qualified laboratory or arranging for a doctor(s), laboratory
technician(s), or other qualified official(s) to collect the necessary samples, maintain theappropriate chain of custody and control over the samples to prevent errors or tampering,and conduct any and all such anti-doping testing. However, the WBC reserves the right toimplement its own Competition Testing in addition to or in conjunction with such local
commission testing.
In circumstances relating to a local commission’s own testing protocol, however, as theultimate responsibility for coordinating, ordering, administering, and providing such
Competition Testing results fall upon other parties and not upon the WBC, under nocircumstances shall the WBC or any of its agents or representatives be responsible or liable28

in any way for compliance with, administration of, or any actions or omissions in any way
related to such local commission Competition Testing.
4.36 Competition Testing by Local Commissions. The WBC may in its discretion accept
Competition Testing by local commissions that is substantially in accordance with theseguidelines, and may recognize suspensions or other penalties for Competition Testing
violations imposed by local commissions. Also, the WBC may in its discretion, but is not
required to, conduct its own investigation and/or hearing, and reject any testing protocols,
procedures and results, investigation, determination of guilt or innocence, or suspension if it
finds that the local commission failed to conduct its anti-doping protocols or procedures
adequately or it has failed in any way to follow the WBC Rules & Regulations or any WBC
ruling. Under no circumstances shall the WBC be in any way liable or responsible for any
failure or omission by a local commission, the commission’s doctor, or the commission’s
approved laboratory or agent in connection with any activities related to a local
commission’s Competition Testing, or for any action the WBC takes or does not take inlocal commissions’ Competition Testing matters, as the responsibility in each case is that of
the local commission, the boxers and their representatives.
4.37 WBC Evaluation of Local Commission Competition Testing. The WBC may establish suchstandards and protocols as it shall determine necessary to evaluate the performance by local
commissions, boxers, and their representatives with respect to a local commission’sCompetition Testing.
4.38 Procedures for Administration of Competition Testing. Each local commission may
determine the mechanics and logistics for implementation of its own Competition Testing,but the WBC recommends the following:(l)

The anti-doping samples should be taken from the urine of the contending boxers
immediately after the bout, at the dressing room or place designated by the doctor.
The WBC may accept testing using samples taken before the bout in its sole
discretion based upon the facts and circumstances.

(m) The urine of each boxer should be placed in two (2) separate bottles perfectly cleanand sterile, marked “A” and “B” or “1” and “2”, before the boxer and his
representative, the doctor or official in charge, and any WBC official present. All
bottles should then be sealed.
(n)

All sealed bottles should be signed by the boxer or his representative and the doctor,
local commissioner, or WBC official if present.

(o)

The first bottle, “A” or “1”, should be used for a first test, to be performed
independently by the laboratory specifically appointed by the local boxing
commission or the WBC. If the test results, which should be presented within aweek after the contest, are negative, the result should be reported as such and filed,
and the second bottle, “B” or “2”, destroyed.

(p)

If the first bottle, “A” or “1” is found positive or non-negative, the WBC should be
immediately informed by the local commission or directly by the laboratory. The
WBC may then immediately contact the affected boxer, or his representative, sothat they may select a representative to witness a second test. The positive result of
bottle “A” or “1” should be kept in strict confidence among the laboratory, the local

29

commission, the WBC headquarters, the WBC Supervisor of the contest, and theaccused boxer and his representatives.
(q)

If the first bottle, “A” or “1” is found positive or non-negative, a second test of thesample “B” or “2” should then be conducted.

(r)

If bottle “B” or “2” is found positive, confirming the first test, the WBC shallappoint a WBC investigating committee, whose report shall be presented to the
WBC Board of Governors. The WBC may schedule and conduct a hearing inaccordance with these Rules & Regulations, prior to making a final determination.

The WBC may in its discretion accept Competition Testing by local commissions that is
substantially in accordance with these Rules & Regulations, and may recognize suspensions
or other penalties for anti-doping violations imposed by local commissions. However, theWBC reserves the right to conduct its own testing or investigations, hold hearings, andissue its own decisions regarding the culpability of any boxer for anti-doping violations.
4.39 Prior Notification of Testing. Before each WBC bout, the local commission should inform
each boxer that the boxer is to provide samples of his urine for testing immediately after
each bout, and that failure or refusal to submit to such testing may result in disciplinary
action, including, without limitation, disqualification, suspension or a fine.
4.40 Failure to Submit to Local Commission Competition Testing. If a boxer, after receiving a
local commission’s request, fails or refuses to submit to anti-doping testing being
performed by the applicable local commission, he may be disqualified, fined, or suspended
as the WBC may determine in its discretion.
4.41 Prohibited Substances and Procedures. The WBC hereby incorporates by reference the listof banned substances and procedures that governs the WBC CBP Protocol. No boxer
should take substances or undertake procedures that may unfairly improve his performance,
affect the conduct or outcome of the contest, or threaten the safety of either boxer. The
WBC may from time to time promulgate or recognize categories and lists of prohibiteddrugs (and may specify prohibited or acceptable concentration levels thereof) andprocedures, including, but not be limited to, the following:(s)

Classes of Prohibited Substances:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

(t)

stimulants (amphetamine, fencamfamine, cocaine, etc.)
diuretics (furosemide, thiazide, etc.)steroids or other performance enhancing drugs as may be prohibited by the WBC
narcotic analgesics (heroine, morphine, etc.)
sedative hypnotics (barbiturates, phenobarbital, secobarbital, etc.)
hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, etc.)
Banned Procedures:▪
▪

infusions of blood, red blood cells, or plasma expanders
alterations in the integrity and validity of urine (substitution of urine provided in
testing or the use of masking agents such as probenecid)

For the avoidance of doubt, since issues may arise as to whether or not: (i) a boxer’s
exposure to prohibited substances was intentional; (ii) such substance(s) provided the boxer
with an advantage; (iii) the testing procedure was reliable; (iv) other factors should be30

considered; therefore, the WBC does not employ or adhere to a “strict liability” standard inanti-doping matters. In each case, the WBC may in its discretion consider all factors inmaking a determination regarding responsibility, relative fault, and penalties, if any.
4.42 Sanctions for Anti-Doping Violations. A boxer who has been found to have tested positive
for banned substances or otherwise found to have engaged in prohibited procedures underthese rules shall be subject to such penalties or treatment as the WBC may determine
appropriate in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, the penalties and treatments
specifically set forth in the WBC CBP Protocol. Such measures may include but are notlimited to disqualification in the contest, a fine up to the amount of the boxer’s purse,
imposition of medical treatment and further testing or investigation, suspension andremoval from the ratings of up to one (1) year, and vacating the boxer’s status as achampion or challenger.
4.43 Vacating of Status. In addition to any other measures that may be imposed in accordancewith the preceding rule and consistent with the WBC CBP Protocol, the WBC may, but isnever required to, vacate a boxer’s status for violations of these anti-doping guidelines in
WBC title and elimination contests as follows:(u)

In a title bout, if the champion retains his title and is later found to have violated
these anti-doping guidelines, the WBC may declare the title vacant. The WBC may
then order any bout(s) or take such other action to fill the vacant title as it may
determine in its sole discretion.

(v)

In a title bout, if the challenger wins and is later found to have violated these antidoping guidelines, the WBC may declare the title vacant. The WBC may then order
any bout(s) or take such other action to fill the vacant title as it may determine in its
sole discretion.

(w) In a title bout, if the challenger loses and is later found to have violated these antidoping guidelines, the WBC may suspend the boxer for up to one (1) year from any
WBC bout and from the WBC ratings.
(x)

In a title bout, if both boxers are later found to have violated these anti-doping
guidelines, the WBC may declare the title vacant and order any bout(s) to fill thevacant title in its discretion, and the WBC may suspend either boxer for up to one(1) year from any WBC bout and from the WBC ratings.

(y)In an elimination contest, if the winner is later found to have violated these antidoping guidelines, the WBC may remove the boxer’s status as a challenger andorder any other contest(s) at its discretion to select a mandatory challenger or takesuch other action as it may determine in its sole discretion.

4.44 Rehabilitation. In accordance with these rules, in addition to or in lieu of suspension, theWBC may require any boxer found to have violated these anti-doping guidelines to undergo
counseling, medical or rehabilitation treatment, be subjected to a testing protocol
established by the WBC or obtain a medical certification that the boxer is free of prohibited
substances or procedures. The WBC also reserves the right to accept the results of random
anti-doping tests by a local commission or agreed to by a boxer with respect to including
the boxer in its ratings or approving the boxer to compete in any WBC bout.

31

5.

ARTICLE V – CLAIM & APPEAL PROCEDURES; DISCIPLINARY RULES

Claim & Appeal Procedures
5.1

Exclusivity of Remedies. Any boxer, promoter, manager, or other person or entity thatparticipates in the activities or events of the WBC, does business with the WBC, or who
claim any right or privilege arising from the WBC Constitution or these Rules &Regulations, agrees that their sole and exclusive remedies are the administrative remedies
and the dispute resolution procedures provided for herein.

5.2

Administrative Remedies. Any grievance, claim, complaint, or protest against the WBC, or
any controversy, appeal, or dispute concerning the WBC or any WBC contest, ruling, order,or action, or arising under the WBC Constitution, these Rules & Regulations, or any WBC
ruling must first be presented to the WBC in writing, in which the claimant must clearlystate that they are submitting the claim under the WBC’s claim and appeal procedures.
To be recognized and valid, any such grievance, claim, complaint, or protest must be
submitted to the WBC President in writing by the aggrieved party or his authorized
representative within fifteen (15) calendar days after the claim first arose. Each such claim,
complaint, or protest must also be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $2,500.00 tocover the initial costs and expenses of the WBC relating to the processing of any suchgrievance, claim, complaint, or protest. The WBC may in its sole discretion grant a waiverof all or a portion of such fee, but no such waiver shall apply unless it is granted in writingby the WBC and received by the protesting party. In the event of substantial additionalcosts relating to the controversy, including but not limited to attorney’s fees or related costs
and expenses, the WBC is also entitled to reimbursement from the petitioning party of all
such additional related costs and expenses. Failure to comply with the filing requirements
set forth herein shall result in the grievance, claim, complaint or protest being deemedinvalid, and render the matter closed and no longer subject to further appeal.
Upon receiving a properly filed and recognized claim, the President, in his discretion, may
attempt to facilitate the resolution of the claim, or may refer the matter to either the WBC
Grievance and Appeals Committee or its Board of Governors.
The WBC may institute such policies and procedures as it may deem appropriate from time
to time for the administration and processing of any recognized claim. In general, theWBC-appointed representative(s) addressing such a claim will first investigate the claim,
seek such additional information as may be required, hold hearings (telephonic or inperson) if necessary, and then issue a decision to accept or reject the claim in whole or inpart. The President or his designee(s) may notify all interested parties in writing of thedecision of the WBC, which notification shall indicate exhaustion of the administrative
remedies set forth in this Rule 5.2.
In the event that the complainant remains unsatisfied with the WBC’s decision following
these administrative remedies, the complainant must then seek compulsory mediation under
Rule 5.3 hereof. Failure to timely seek compulsory mediation under Rule 5.3 hereof shall
automatically terminate the claim and the claimant shall have no further rights to appeal.
No party may invoke or seek remedies under Rule 5.3 or Rule 5.4 without first complying
with, and seeking, and providing the WBC the opportunity to provide, administrative relief
under this Rule 5.2.

32

5.3

Compulsory Mediation. Any open, unresolved claim, controversy, or dispute involving the
WBC must be submitted to non-binding mediation in accordance with the following
procedures within thirty (30) days after exhaustion of remedies under the administrative
procedures outlined in Rule 5.2. The mediation process shall be as follows:(a)

The parties must make best efforts in good faith to attempt to select a mediatormutually acceptable to both parties.

(b)

If the parties are unable to agree on a mediator, each party shall nominate two (2)qualified candidates from the List of Mediators of the Court of Arbitration for Sport(“CAS”). The CAS shall then select a mediator at random from the four (4) CAS
candidates selected by the parties.

(c)

The mediation shall be conducted in accordance with procedures prescribed by theselected mediator and at a convenient location designated by the mediator. The
mediator’s expenses shall be shared equally by the parties to the mediation.

(d)

The mediation shall be conducted within thirty (30) days of the selection of themediator, absent special circumstances.

(e)

The parties to the mediation must agree to mediate in good faith in a meaningfulattempt to resolve the controversy, claim, or dispute, with a party or party’s
representative(s) duly authorized to resolve the matter being present and/or
available at the mediation.

While the mediator selected may be a CAS mediator, the mediation shall be governed bythese WBC Rules & Regulations, and not the CAS Mediation Rules (including with respect
to disputes related to disciplinary matters, such as doping issues (including compliance or
non-compliance with anti-doping testing), match-fixing and corruption, for which WBC
mediation is mandatory), absent express prior written mutual consent of the parties topermit the CAS Mediation Rules to be controlling.
In the event that the complainant remains unsatisfied with the resolution of his claim
following compulsory mediation under this rule, the complainant must then seek mandatory
arbitration under Rule 5.4 hereof. Failure to timely seek compulsory mediation under Rule5.4 hereof shall automatically terminate the claim and the claimant shall have no further
rights to appeal, with the matter deemed closed. No party may invoke or seek remedies
under Rule 5.4 without first seeking, and providing the WBC the opportunity to provide,
administrative relief under Rule 5.2 or compulsory mediation under this Rule 5.3.
5.4

Mandatory Arbitration. Any claim, controversy, or dispute that the parties have been
unable to resolve pursuant to the procedures provided for in Rules 5.2 and 5.3 hereof mustthen be submitted to mandatory arbitration in accordance with the following procedures
within thirty (30) days after exhaustion of remedies under the administrative procedures
outlined in Rule 5.2 and compulsory mediation under the procedures outlined in Rule 5.3.
Each such claim must thereby be settled exclusively by mandatory arbitration before the
Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”), pursuant to the Code of Sports-Related Arbitration.
All elements relating to the relationship of the parties, any and all rulings in a division, theconduct of any bout or any ruling relating thereto, and any such dispute arising thereundershall be governed by and, construed in accordance with the internal laws of Switzerland,33

without regard to any conflicts of law principles thereof that would result in the applicationof the laws of any other jurisdiction, provided, however, that notwithstanding such choiceof law for purposes of dispute resolution or anything herein or otherwise to the contrary, thecommunications of the WBC and any other party with its Chief Legal Counsel or any otherlegal counsel (Legal Committee member our outside) shall at all times be protected byabsolute attorney-client privilege and absolute protection under the attorney work productdoctrine, and all parties, including the WBC and all those doing business with the WBC,
expressly agree not to challenge the assertion of attorney-client privilege, the attorney work
product doctrine, or any other recognized privilege, protection, or doctrine under applicablelaw, by another party in any matter.
By participating in any bout, promotion, or any other business dealings involving theWBC’s exclusive trademarks, likeness and any other intellectual property, each champion,
challenger, and all other parties expressly agree and are deemed to have agreed to be,
subject to these Rules & Regulations, the WBC Constitution and any WBC rulings,
including specifically that these provisions concerning alternatives to dispute resolution are
an essential part of the WBC Rules & Regulations.
All such parties also thereby agree and are deemed to have agreed that with respect to any
past, present, or future disputes arising out of any dealings with the WBC, whether based intort, contract, or statutory law of any jurisdiction, the arbitrator or arbitrators selected inaccordance with these Rules & Regulations, and not any federal, state, provincial,territorial, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute
relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this agreement orthese Rules & Regulations, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part ofsuch agreement or these Rules & Regulations is void or voidable.
5.5

Waiver. Any person having a claim against the WBC expressly waives any and allproceedings, relief, remedies and courses of action other than those expressly provided forin this Article 5.

5.6

Indemnification. All parties expressly agree that, by doing business with the WBC, theyshall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the WBC, any and all affiliated federations andcommittees, and all officers, members of the Board of Governors, representatives,
attorneys, employees, and any individual or organization duly authorized to act on behalf of
the WBC (each, a “WBC Indemnified Party”) thereof against any and all losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, and disbursements(including the reasonable and actual attorney's fees, costs of defense, charges anddisbursements for any WBC Indemnified Party, incurred by any WBC Indemnified Party orasserted against any WBC Indemnified Party by any third party or by any person arising outof the actions of such WBC Indemnified Party or any actual or prospective claim, litigation,
investigation or proceeding, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether
brought by a third party or by any person directly, and regardless of whether any WBC
Indemnified Party is a party thereto, AND INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATIONWITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR INACTION ARISING FROM ANY WBC
INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY, such that no
WBC Indemnified Party shall be held liable for or not be defended and indemnified for any
action taken in good faith and not directly resulting from gross negligence or willful
misconduct of such WBC Indemnified Party, as determined by the CAS or any other courtof competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment or ruling.

34

In order to attempt to hold the WBC liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct, or
under any other theory of liability or damages, the complainant must prove their case by thestandards of proof and law applied by the CAS.
Under any circumstances, should the WBC be found liable to any party, by doing businesswith the WBC all parties expressly agree that their sole and exclusive monetary remedy that
may be recoverable from the WBC is limited to a maximum (but not a minimum) of
sanction fees paid to the WBC relating to the last contest that gave rise to their claim
against the WBC.
All parties including boxers doing business with or otherwise associated with the WBC
expressly waive any and all claims for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages(as opposed to direct or compensatory damages) in connection with any claim against the
WBC or any other WBC Indemnified Party. In no event shall the WBC be liable to forpunitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages, including, but not limited to, lost
profits, loss of earning capacity, loss of use of money, loss of opportunity, delay, interest or
attorney fees, directly or indirectly related to any act or omission of the WBC, its
employees, officers, affiliated Federations, Governors, or agents.
5.7

Reimbursement of WBC’s Costs and Expenses. In the event of any grievance, claim,
complaint, or protest against the WBC, and the WBC, the CAS, or any other authority
determines that a party has failed to comply with the Rules & Regulations, Constitution,
standards, or rulings of the WBC, then such party shall promptly reimburse the WBC for
any and all potential and actual damages, liabilities, costs, and reasonable expenses(including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, in addition to the initial $2,500 fee
provided for in Rule 5.1) incurred by the WBC or any related party in connection with any
legal, arbitral, or administrative proceedings or otherwise.
Further, in the event that the WBC grants a special bout sanction or utilizes its authority tointerpret these rules in the best interests of boxing to grant any other exception to its rules ofgeneral application based upon special circumstances, then the party that has requested or
benefitted from such sanction or exemption shall be deemed to agree, and by doing businesswith the WBC expressly hereby agrees, to defend, indemnify, hold harmless, and otherwise
reimburse each WBC Indemnified Party for any and all potential and actual damages,
liabilities, costs, or other expenses related thereto (including, without limitation, legal feesand expenses) incurred by the WBC as a result relating to any resulting dispute, mediation,
arbitration, or other related litigation or otherwise.

5.8

Waiver of Claims. Any party (boxer, manager, promoter, agent, or other party in interest)
that accepts, participates in, or benefits from any voluntary or mandatory bout, or who
receives any other rating or status granted by the WBC following any protest or disputeshall be hereby deemed to have waived and settled all prior claims.
Disciplinary Rules
5.9

WBC Power and Authority in Disciplinary Matters. The WBC has the power and authority
to impose disciplinary sanctions on any person or organization that violates any of theConstitution, Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, or any ruling of the WBC. The
procedure of the WBC in disciplinary matters shall be as follows:(a)

Any party may file with the WBC written charges regarding any violation of the
WBC Constitution or rules, or the WBC may independently take notice of and act
upon any such violation.

35

(b)

Violations may include, but are not limited to, the following:i. Failing to comply with any rule pertaining to any dealings with the WBC;
ii. Intentional fouls or unsportsmanlike behavior in the ring or relating to acontest;iii. Violation of anti-doping or other safety measures imposed by the WBC; oriv. Slurring, insulting, or bringing disrepute to the WBC or the sport of boxing.

(c)Upon recognition of any potential rule violation, the WBC President may refer thematter to the WBC Disciplinary and Appeals Committee or appoint one or more
WBC representatives to investigate and review the matter. After investigation, theCommittee or representative(s) may recommend the imposition of penalties inaccordance with this rule. Alternatively, the WBC President may intervene directlyin accordance with his power and authority to act in the best interests of boxing.

(d)

In cases of clear violations, the WBC may issue its decision following its
investigation of the facts and examination of the relevant rules. In othercircumstances, the WBC may hold hearings, request statements from the accused,
or institute any such other procedure as it may deem appropriate under thecircumstances. However, the WBC is not required to institute any particular
process, as an aggrieved party will retain the right to an administrative appeal inaccordance with Rule 5.2.

(e)

The WBC’s decision may include the imposition of penalties including fines andsuspension or expulsion from any involvement in WBC bouts, ratings, or vacating achampionship or challenger status when appropriate.

6.

ARTICLE VI – RATINGS

6.1

WBC Ratings Committee. The WBC will maintain a Ratings Committee consisting of one
or more chairmen and one or more vice-chairmen from each of the continental federations.
The Ratings Committee shall consist of members of absolute integrity, who shall be subject
to the WBC Code of Ethics.

6.2

Reports and Recommendations. The members of the Committee will take notice of reportsof boxing matches from around the world, reports from boxing commissions, the regional
federations, and the WBC, and shall provide information and extend recommendations to
the Committee Secretary and Chairman regularly.

6.3

Ratings Procedures. The Ratings Committee shall compile and publish ratings, typically ona monthly basis. The decisions of the Ratings Committee shall be based upon consensus of
the committee. Once a year at the WBC Convention, the Ratings Committee shall submit
to its current ratings the Board of Governors for final approval.

6.4

Ratings Principles. The WBC’s ratings principles are as follows:(a) The purpose of ratings is to determine eligible contenders to participate in elimination
bouts and to challenge for WBC championships.
(b) Ratings are and may be largely subjective.

36

(c) Ratings are based primarily on merit.
(d) Forty (40) boxers will be rated in each division in the world ratings.
(e) World champions of WBA, IBF, and WBO will be listed in each division as
champions of their organization but shall not be specifically numerically rated.
(f) Any boxer committed to box for another organization may be placed in the “Not
Available” section of the ratings and may not be specifically numerically rated.
(g) Any boxer that may have an impediment to compete may be placed in the Not
Available section of the ratings and may not be specifically numerically rated.
(h) WBC federation and committee champions will be identified by their corresponding
abbreviations.
(i) It shall be the responsibility of all boxers and their representatives to advise the WBCof their boxing activity.
6.5

Ratings Eligibility.
(a) To be eligible to appear in the WBC ratings, a boxer should:
i. have defeated or drawn with a rated boxer;ii. be an Olympic medalist or have won important amateur tournaments;
iii. had a successful career in Muay Thai or other combat sports; oriv. by special circumstance, be recommended by an affiliated federation.
(b) WBC International champions will be listed and are eligible to challenge for WBC
World titles.
(c) In order to maintain a top 15 rating, a boxer should have competed against anotherrated boxer, which may include those rated in the top 15 of other world organizations
recognized by the WBC, within the 18-month period from the time the boxer was so
rated.
(d) To be rated in one of the top 15 positions, a boxer should have competed in at leastone 10 round bout.

6.6(e) To maintain a top 40 rating, a boxer should compete against another top 40-rated
boxer within 18 months from the time the boxer was rated.
Ratings Criteria. Boxers shall be evaluated for the WBC ratings based upon the following
factors:(a) Record.
(b) Activity.
(c) Result and quality of performance in recent bouts.

37(d) Level of competition.
(e) Significance of bouts.
(f) Experience in championship or elimination bouts.
(g) Accomplishments and record in amateur boxing, or in Muay Thai or other combat
sports.
(h) Competing at home or abroad.
(i) Decisiveness of victories.
(j) Style.
(k) Losses in controversial decisions.
6.7

Ratings Consequences of Inactivity. The following circumstances may permit exclusionfrom the WBC ratings, as follows:(a) A rated boxer who does not compete in 9 months will be subject to being lowered in
the rankings.
(b) A rated boxer who does not compete in 12 months will be subject to being removed
from the ratings absent special circumstances.
(c) A boxer’s periods of inactivity due to legitimate medical, legal, and other extenuating
circumstances will be considered. The WBC Ratings Committee may either continue
to rate an affected boxer, or may exclude such a boxer under subsections (a) and (b)hereof, based upon the boxer’s unique facts and circumstances.
(d) A boxer may also be excluded from the ratings if any of the following occurs:(i) The boxer is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or the possession or
consumption of any illegal substance.
(ii) The boxer is suspended indefinitely by a local commission, affiliated federation,or the WBC.
(iii) The boxer resides in a country in which apartheid is official policy.
(iv) For other extenuating circumstances.

6.8“Not Available” Ratings Section. A boxer may be listed in the “Not Available” section of
the WBC Ratings if the boxer:(a) is committed or chooses to box for another organization.
(b) is medically unfit or has not been medically cleared to compete.
(c) has a legal issue or contractual impediment.
(d) is subject to other extenuating circumstances.

38

6.9

Website Posting. The WBC shall publish and maintain its ratings on the WBC website.
The WBC shall endeavor to provide written explanations of changes in the top ten (10)positions within seven days of publication of the ratings.

6.10 Ratings Appeals. The WBC shall maintain a Ratings Appeals Committee for the purpose ofaddressing any appeal regarding a boxer’s rating. If in accordance with the WBC’s ratings
appeals process a boxer or boxer’s representative wishes to make inquiry, protest, or appeal
a boxer’s rating, all such requests shall be directed to the WBC Ratings Appeals
Committee, care of the WBC Executive Offices. The ratings appeals process is as follows:

7.
7.1

(a)

A boxer in the top fifteen (15) in the current or previous WBC world ratings may
ask for an explanation of, protest, or appeal his rating, by a written request clearlystating that it is a ratings inquiry, protest, or appeal directed to the WBC Ratings
Appeal Committee.

(b)

The WBC Rating Appeals Committee and/or other WBC officials will review thematter and will within the following seven (7) days provide a preliminary response,
which may include altering the boxer’s rating. Thereafter, the WBC will further
review the boxer’s rating and shall either confirm or alter the boxer’s rating in thenext ratings published by the WBC.

(c)

Any further action by the appellant must be in accordance with Article V of theseRules & Regulations.

ARTICLE 7 – FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PROMOTERS AND BOXERSBout Sanction Fees. The following fees are established in conjunction with all male world
title and world title elimination bouts sanctioned by the WBC, subject to modification by amajority voting of the Board of Governors.
(a) Promoter’s Bout Fee. For each bout as set forth, the promoter must pay:US$
10,000US$
10,000Elimination bouts with combined purses up to US$100,000
In bouts of divisions up to and including Super Bantamweight withcombined purses up to US$250,000
In bouts of divisions from Featherweight to Cruiserweight with combined
purses up to US$250,000

US$15,000

In bouts with combined purses from US$250,000 to US$1 million

US$20,000

In bouts with combined purses from US$1 million to US$1.5 million

US$25,000

In bouts with combined purses of US$1.5 million to US$5 million

US$30,000

In bouts with combined purses of US$5 million and greater

US$50,000

All references in this rule to bout purses refer to total combined gross purses of bothboxers participating in the bout. The promoter must insure that the boxers’ contracts
submitted to the WBC in connection with the approval of any bout reflect the actual
gross purses being received by the participating boxers.

39

The promoter must have paid his annual registration fee of $7,000.00 in order topromote a WBC sanctioned bout. A deduction of $2,000 from the annual registration
fee is applicable if payment is made before March 31 of each year.
(b) Boxers’ Bout Fees. For each WBC championship and elimination contest, eachparticipating boxer must pay three percent (3.0%) of all gross funds or any other formof consideration received by the boxer relating to the bout, including but not limited
to the gross purse, compensation derived from pay-per-view, cable or satellite
transmission, television broadcast, or internet distribution, merchandising,concessions, sponsorships, shared promotional fees (in cases in which the boxer is
promoter or co-promoter), or otherwise, including amounts calculated and paid
following the contest.
The gross amount upon which the sanction fee is based includes all sums of money
paid from all national or international sources, is not limited to guaranteed amounts or
minimum amounts stated in bout contracts, and includes sums retained by thepromoter(s) as his (their) promotional fees, as well as any amounts payable by theboxer to his manager, trainers, or any other party.
On gross compensation up to US$100,000, a minimum of US$3,000.00 shall be duefrom a world champion, and US$1,000.00 shall be due from any world challenger orcontender in a world title elimination bout. In the event of a vacant world title, aminimum of US$2,000.00 shall be due from each boxer.
(c) Expenses Payable. In addition to the bout sanction fees stated above, the promoter ofa WBC World championship or World Championship elimination contest is also
obligated to pay the following expenses and charges to the WBC:Championship belt when a new champion is crowned:
Boxers’ hospitalization and life insurance 1:
Ring Officials’ Fees (minimum subject to local commission)

US$5,000
US$1,500

Total Purse
Up to US$100,000
From US$100,001 to US$250,000
From US$250,001 to US$1,000,000
From US$1,000,000 to US$5,000,000
From US$5,000,001 to US$10,000,000
From US $10,000,001 and over

Referees
US$1,600
US$1,800
US$2,250
US$3,150
US$4,150
US$8,150

Judges
US$1,300
US$1,400
US$1,950
US$2,450
US$2,950
US$5,150

WBC Supervisor’s non-accountable incidental expenses(in addition to all out-of-pocket expenses):

US$1,000

ALL AMOUNTS ARE PAYABLE TO THE WBC IN USA DOLLARS AGAINSTA USA BANK, AND FORWARDED TO THE WBC AS INSTRUCTED IN
CONNECTION WITH EACH BOUT.
1

The provision of insurance coverage for bouts sanctioned by a WBC-affiliated Federation or where a belt of a WBC
Championship Committee is being disputed shall be governed by the rules and practices of the corresponding
Federation or Championship Committee. The WBC shall not be responsible for providing insurance coverage for any
such bout.

40

Sanction fees per Rules 7.1(a) and (b), and all expenses incurred per Rule 7.1(c)remain payable by promoters and boxers, even if one or both boxers in the contest failto make the required weight, as the promotion will have benefitted from themarketing value brought to the bout as a result of it being a WBC-sanctioned contest,
and because the event was promoted using the WBC’s exclusive and proprietary
trademarks and other intellectual property.
The WBC may also enter into arrangements with any third party that is not a
promoter, boxer, manager or other representative of a boxer, by which the WBC may
license its exclusive trademarks and other intellectual property, or provide othergoods or services, for such sanction fees or other compensation as the WBC and suchthird party may agree, in connection with the promotion of boxing or otherwise.
7.2

Payment Procedures and Obligations of Promoters. Upon request of the WBC, thepromoter of a WBC bout is hereby obligated as follows:(a)On or before fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the day of the bout, the promoter
shall deposit with the WBC Ten Percent (10%) of the combined compensation
payable to the boxers. The amount of such deposit shall not be required to exceed$500,000. On or around the day of the bout, the WBC shall return the deposit to thepromoter, after deducting the applicable sanction fees.

(b)

If the amount of the deposit is less than the sanction fees applicable to the bout, thepromoter shall pay the difference to the WBC on or around the day of the bout.

(c)

If, as described in Rule 7.1(b), the promoter pays any compensation to either boxer
after the bout, then the promoter shall pay to the WBC all remaining required 3%
sanction fees at any time such compensation is paid to either boxer.

(d)

The promoter is the party ultimately liable to the WBC for payment of all fees
outlined in Rule 7.

(e)

The WBC reserves the right to require documentation from promoters or boxers inorder to certify and establish the total compensation to boxers in any bout uponwhich sanction fees are calculated and assessed pursuant to Rule 7.3. All promotersand boxers explicitly consent to disclosure by third parties of any such agreements
upon request by the WBC.

(f)

All sanction fees shall be completely tax free to the WBC, and it shall be theresponsibility of the promoter of the bout to pay, by withholding additional sums
from the purses of the boxers, all such local, state, or national tax liabilities, if any,
imposed by the country, state, or locality where the bout takes place, and to hold theWBC harmless from same.

(g)

If a visiting boxer will be taxed in his home country, the promoter has the soleobligation to arrange for issuance of a certified tax receipt or certificate, or any
other necessary and requested document from the national or local tax authority
where the bout takes place for representation as a credit to the tax authority in theboxer’s home country.

41

7.3

Payment Procedures and Obligations of Boxers. Any boxer participation in any WBC boutis hereby obligated as follows:(a)All boxers must accept the deduction of the WBC boxer sanction fees from theirrespective purses. Each boxer is deemed to expressly agree to authorize and permit
the promoter of any WBC contest to withhold from gross amounts payable to theboxer, and to pay over to the WBC, all amounts payable by the boxer under theseRules & Regulations. No bout shall be sanctioned as a WBC contest unless theapplicable boxers’ sanction fees are agreed to and paid to the WBC in accordancewith these Rules & Regulations.

(b)

In the event that a WBC champion competes in any bout in which his WBC title is
not at stake, the champion is obligated to pay to the WBC fifty percent (50%) of the
WBC sanction fee payable as if the bout were a title defense, in view of the market
value brought to the bout as a result of his standing attained as a WBC champion.

8.

ARTICLE 8 – EXPRESS AGREEMENT OF ALL PARTIESAll parties involved in reaching an agreement as to a WBC contest, shall sign an agreement
stating their full acceptance and covenant to abide by the Constitution, Rules & Regulations,Championship Rules, and all rulings of the WBC.
Regardless of whether or not such document has been executed and returned to the WBC, allboxers, managers, promoters, trainers, and all other parties transacting business with the WBC are
deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be bound by and comply with the Constitution, Rules &Regulations, Championship Rules, and all rulings of the WBC in all matters pertaining to the
conduct of such business, in order to participate in any dealings with the WBC. The expression of
any party of a lack of knowledge of the WBC Constitution, Rules & Regulations, orChampionship rules will not be a cause for any exception in regard to this rule.
The WBC Constitution, Rules & Regulations, and Championship Rules, and the forms of Boxers
and Promoters Agreements are available on the WBC website on the Internet. Upon request to
the WBC Executive Offices, a copy of the WBC Constitution, Rules & Regulations, andChampionship Rules will be furnished.

9.

ARTICLE 9 – AMENDMENTS

These Rules & Regulations may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Governors. The
proposal for amendment shall be submitted to the voting members of the Board of Governors at
an annual convention or by any of the alternate procedures outlined in Article IV.7 of the WBC
Constitution.
AS AMENDED PER APPROVAL OF THE WBC BOARD OF GOVERNORS AS OF
MAY 15, 2019.

42