Updated England Boxing Rule Book Published for 2026
January 14, 2026 | by Chris Boyd
England Boxing are pleased to publish the Rule Book for 2026.
Amendments and updates have been made following sign-off from the England Boxing (EB) Board in November 2025, and extensive consultation with EB’s voluntary subcommittees has taken place over the period since. Input from members through our Annual Membership Survey and the monthly Regional Association Forum has also been included.
We are confident that the new Rule Book, coming into effect today (January 14, 2026), will provide greater clarity and a safe provision of competitive boxing for the current calendar year.
A summary of key updates for members’ attention is outlined below:
- 3.9 – Section added to give greater clarity on gender categories of boxers competing at EB events.
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5.7.1 (f) – Rule added to ensure boxers are compliant with the long-standing and existing rule: 5.7.1(c) (i.e. boxers to have a full medical in advance of their first sparring session), and that they have participated in a minimum of 30 days of safe sparring before their first bout. This will be configured on The Locker for new boxers’ BCR1s from June 1, 2026, onwards, allowing clubs & members time to prepare and receive advance notice. This rule is being introduced following extensive input from members over the last 12+ months and will help to ensure that boxers of all ages are suitably protected – both medically and competitively – when they first step foot in the ring.
- 6.3.1 – Minor updates to officials’ dress code.
- 8.1.11 – Updated to ensure a ringside Doctor assesses the full skin covering of boxers rather than a Supervisor.
- 8.2 – Competition gloves updated to require 65kg boxers and under to have 10oz gloves rather than 67kg and under.
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8.7.1 – Gumshields can now be of any colour.
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Annex D – Championship boxing weight categories have been updated for 2026.
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Annex A7 – Event Safeguarding Officer annex updated with current contact information and guidance for clubs.
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Matrix – Updated to current weight ranges for club boxing in 2026.
To view the new 2026 Rule Book, follow this link.
For any questions or further information, please contact support@englandboxing.zendesk.com.
