What can a boxer's corner do during a bout?
A · Advanced · The bout, the boxers and the officials · 2 of 2A boxer may have up to three "seconds" in the corner. Only one may enter the ring, and only during the rest between rounds. During a round they must stay seated and may not shout to the crowd, touch the ring or speak to the officials. They may end the bout by throwing in the towel.
How it works
- Up to three seconds; two may stand on the apron and one may enter the ring, during rest periods only.
- Before each round they clear stools, towels and buckets from the ring.
- During rounds: seated in their area. No leaving it, touching the ring, clapping, offensive language or speaking to officials, the opponent or the other corner.
- No phones, tablets, radios or headsets in the field of play.
- For a cut they may use only adrenaline 1/1000 and non-petroleum skin-protective jelly. No other drugs, no oxygen and no inhalers.
- They may carry ice bags, an enswell, gauze and swabs. They must use the bottled water provided.
- Towel: a second may retire the boxer by mounting the apron and throwing the towel into the ring, but not while the referee is counting.
- Misconduct: a caution first, a warning and removal from the corner second, removal for the day third. A second removed twice is out for the rest of the competition.
Tricky cases
Can the corner shout advice during a round?
It depends on how. The rules require seconds to stay seated and forbid clapping, offensive language and inciting spectators. They do not forbid speaking to their own boxer.
Can the corner stop the bout?
Yes, by throwing in the towel, except during a count.
Why the rule exists
The boxer fights alone for three minutes at a time. The corner's job is care between rounds and, when needed, the decision to stop.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Boxing rules | As above | WB 3; WB 12.3 |
From the rule book
World Boxing Competition Rules, Rules 3, 9.4.2 and 12.3. Approved November 2024. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boxing Competition Rules (PDF).