Why restore 15 rounds?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 04 Mar 2025
WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.
Korean fighter Kim Duk Koo was only 27 when he died from injuries five days after suffering a 14th round knockout loss to Ray (Boom Boom) Mancini in a WBA lightweight championship bout in Las Vegas in 1982. Kim had lost only once previously and his 17 career wins included victories over Filipinos Tony Flores, Jun Escalera and Flash Romeo.
The tragedy sparked a rethinking of how long a fight should be without unnecessarily endangering a boxer’s life. There were reports that mentioned after 12 rounds, the brain would be more susceptible to damage and a fighter more vulnerable to injury because of fatigue and dehydration.
A month after Kim’s death, WBC decided to limit fights to 12 rounds and made it effective January 1, 1983. WBA followed in 1987 and IBF, 1988. WBO was established in 1988 and never sanctioned more than 12 rounds. WBA president Gilberto Mendoza recently suggested to restore the 15-round distance only for unification title matches. WBO superlightweight champion Teofimo Lopez backed the proposal, saying “When you’re fighting for undisputed status, how about making those fights 15 rounds … let’s add three more rounds and then we’ll find out who the real champion is.”
Those backing Mendoza’s suggestion point to several instances where outcomes were reversed after the 12th round. Examples were Joe Louis knocking out Billy Conn in the 13th frame and would’ve lost on points if the limit was 12 in 1941, Rocky Marciano sweeping the last three stanzas to beat Ezzard Charles and would’ve lost the decision if it was a 12-rounder in 1954 and Sugar Ray Leonard stopping Tommy Hearns in the 14th and would’ve lost the verdict if it went up to only 12 in 1981.
WBC ratings committee member and one-time world title challenger Mig Elorde said he’s not in favor of bringing back 15 rounds. “Yung 12 rounds mahirap ng tapusin, paano pa yung 15,” he said. “Sa training pag 15 rounds, mas tataasan ang sparring at mas mabubugbog ang boxer. Sparring in almost all gyms ay three times a week kaya delikado.”
The risk of fighters sustaining life-threatening damage in the ring is a constant concern. Even with a limit of 12 rounds, there is always the danger of death or permanent injury. The risk is heightened when a fighter has to lose pounds drastically in order to make weight and is unable to rehydrate enough to protect the brain from trauma caused by punches. A referee's decision is critical when to stop a fight in protecting a boxer from absorbing severe punishment. Sticking to 12 rounds may be the prudent thing to do in the wake of suggestions to extend the limit to 15.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Press Conference Notes: Xander Zayas & Abass Baraou Face Off Ahead of January 31 Title Unification Showdown in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Thu, 13 Nov 2025Historic Turnout at the 1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament in Laos
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 13 Nov 2025The Hammer Returns to the Fray With a Bang
By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Monzón and Coggi are new Argentina Boxing Hall of Fame members
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025GM Antonio moves to 2nd in Spain chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Teflon Promotion to host Re:Play Volume 1 on November 22nd at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center
Wed, 12 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 10 NOVEMBER 2025
By Eric Armit, Wed, 12 Nov 2025FLORES AND CORDINA PREDICT KO NIGHT IN STOCKTON
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Lightweight Prospect Charley Leigh Brown Added To Hunter Vs Frankham Card 5th December
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Mavericks' Cooper Flagg becomes the second 18-year-old player to score 25 points
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Sit back and enjoy, "Bata' Reyes book is out
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025'THE RING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS': CHRIS EUBANK JR-CONOR BENN II FIGHT WEEK LAUNCHES WITH INTENSE LONDON FACE-OFF
Tue, 11 Nov 2025OKC Thunder Quickly Grabs League Lead; Competition Performing Per Formchart
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 11 Nov 2025Reyes rules 17th edition of Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 11 Nov 2025SPORTS RECORDS 11: NONITO DONAIRE'S TWO KNOCKOUTS OF THE YEAR
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 11 Nov 2025