Conversation so far:
how many rounds in a professional boxing match?
Professional bouts are limited to a maximum of twelve rounds, most are fought over four, six, eight or ten rounds depending upon the experience of the boxers.
why is the maximum rounds in a professional boxing match 12?
By 1988, to the displeasure of some boxing purists, all fights had been reduced to a maximum of 12 rounds only, partially for safety, and partially for television
was there a related event regarding safety that limited the maximum rounds in a professional boxing match to 12?
The 1982 WBA Lightweight title bout ended with the death of boxer Duk Koo Kim in a fight against Ray Mancini in the 14th round of a nationally televised championship.
what are the benefitis for television in limiting the maximum rounds in a professional boxing match to 12?
a 12-round bout could be broadcast in a one hour television block (pre-match, then the bout which lasts 48 minutes overall, decision, and interviews)

Question: what was the maximum prior to 1982?
Self-contained rewrite: what was the maximum rounds in a professional boxing match prior to 1982?