British Boxing Board of Control
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) is the governing body of professional boxing in the United Kingdom. History. The British Boxing Board of Control was formed in 1929 from the old National Sporting Club and is headquartered in Cardiff. Until 1948, it had a colour bar in effect by means of its Rule 24, which stated that title contestants "must have two white parents". Councils. The Board divides the country into seven Area Councils: the Scottish Area, the Northern Ireland Area, the Welsh Area, the Northern Area, the Central Area (including the Isle of  Man), the Southern Area, and the Midlands Area. There was previously a Western Area, which was merged with the Southern Area. Lonsdale Belt. The Board also sanctions bouts for British boxing's most prestigious title: the Lonsdale Belt. The Lonsdale Belt is awarded to the champion of the United Kingdom in each respective weight class and to win the belt outright it must be defended against a British challenger on at least three occasions. Scoring. The Board is known for its unique scoring system. Except for title fights (where the bout is scored by three judges, none of whom serve  as fight referee), the referee is the sole scorer. After the bout (if the fight goes to points decision), the referee hands his decision to the MC and the winner is announced, the referee then raising the arm of the winner – or, in the event of a draw, both boxers' arms.