What happens after a low blow in boxing?
I · Intermediate · Fouls and penalties · 3 of 5A low blow is a punch below the belt line. If it was light, the referee signals the foul and boxing goes on. If the boxer hit complains of its force, the referee gives an eight count and, if needed, up to 90 seconds to recover. A hard, deliberate low blow means disqualification.
How it works
- The belt line is an imaginary line from the navel to the top of the hips. The uniform must mark it with a band of contrasting colour, 5 to 10 cm wide, that does not cover the navel.
- Light low blow, no complaint: the referee signals the foul without stopping the bout.
- Complaint about its severity: the referee either disqualifies the offender at once, if the blow was intentional and hard, or starts an eight count.
- After the count, if the boxer is fit: the referee may warn the offender, and the bout continues.
- If not fit: up to 1 minute 30 seconds to recover. Then, if fit, the bout continues, with a warning to the offender if the referee chooses.
- Still unfit after 90 seconds: the boxer who was hit loses, by RSC-I.
- Men must wear a groin protector. Women may.
Tricky cases
A boxer could not continue after an accidental low blow. Who wins?
The boxer who threw it, by RSC-I, if the referee did not judge the blow intentional and hard. That is what the rule says.
Is a punch on the belt line legal?
It depends on the referee. The scoring area is "above the beltline" and the foul is hitting "below the belt"; the rules do not say what a punch exactly on the line is.
Does an eight count for a low blow count towards the limit of counts?
No. Counts caused by illegal blows or fouls are left out of the limits.
Why the rule exists
Low blows are dangerous and often accidental. The recovery time protects the boxer who was hit, and the limit stops it being used to win a bout by staying down.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Boxing rules | As above | WB 8.10; WB 9.3.3 |
| Professional boxing | Recovery time is commonly up to five minutes | C |
From the rule book
World Boxing Competition Rules, Rules 8.5.1, 8.7.2, 8.10, 9.3.3, 13.5.3 and 13.8. Approved November 2024. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boxing Competition Rules (PDF).