<P> Professional boxing, or prizefighting, is regulated, sanctioned boxing . Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse which is divided between the boxers as determined by contract . Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory authority to guarantee the fighters' safety . Most high - profile bouts obtain the endorsement of a sanctioning body, which awards championship belts, establishes rules, and assigns its own judges and referee . </P> <P> In contrast with amateur boxing, professional bouts are typically much longer and can last up to twelve rounds, though less significant fights can be as short as four rounds . Protective headgear is not permitted, and boxers are generally allowed to take substantial punishment before a fight is halted . Professional boxing has enjoyed a much higher profile than amateur boxing throughout the 20th century and beyond . </P> <P> In Cuba professional boxing is banned (as of 2017). So was also the case in Sweden between 1970 and 2007, and Norway between 1981 and 2014 . </P>

How many rounds in a professional boxing match