<P> A bout in which the predetermined number of rounds passes is decided by the judges, and is said to "go the distance". The fighter with the higher score at the end of the fight is ruled the winner . With three judges, unanimous and split decisions are possible, as are draws . A boxer may win the bout before a decision is reached through a knock - out; such bouts are said to have ended "inside the distance". If a fighter is knocked down during the fight, determined by whether the boxer touches the canvas floor of the ring with any part of their body other than the feet as a result of the opponent's punch and not a slip, as determined by the referee, the referee begins counting until the fighter returns to his or her feet and can continue . Some jurisdictions require the referee to count to eight regardless of if the fighter gets up before . </P> <P> Should the referee count to ten, then the knocked - down boxer is ruled "knocked out" (whether unconscious or not) and the other boxer is ruled the winner by knockout (KO). A "technical knock - out" (TKO) is possible as well, and is ruled by the referee, fight doctor, or a fighter's corner if a fighter is unable to safely continue to fight, based upon injuries or being judged unable to effectively defend themselves . Many jurisdictions and sanctioning agencies also have a "three - knockdown rule", in which three knockdowns in a given round result in a TKO . A TKO is considered a knockout in a fighter's record . A "standing eight" count rule may also be in effect . This gives the referee the right to step in and administer a count of eight to a fighter that he or she feels may be in danger, even if no knockdown has taken place . After counting the referee will observe the fighter, and decide if he or she is fit to continue . For scoring purposes, a standing eight count is treated as a knockdown . </P> <P> In general, boxers are prohibited from hitting below the belt, holding, tripping, pushing, biting, or spitting . The boxer's shorts are raised so the opponent is not allowed to hit to the groin area with intent to cause pain or injury . Failure to abide by the former may result in a foul . They also are prohibited from kicking, head - butting, or hitting with any part of the arm other than the knuckles of a closed fist (including hitting with the elbow, shoulder or forearm, as well as with open gloves, the wrist, the inside, back or side of the hand). They are prohibited as well from hitting the back, back of the head or neck (called a "rabbit - punch") or the kidneys . They are prohibited from holding the ropes for support when punching, holding an opponent while punching, or ducking below the belt of their opponent (dropping below the waist of your opponent, no matter the distance between). </P> <P> If a "clinch"--a defensive move in which a boxer wraps his or her opponents arms and holds on to create a pause--is broken by the referee, each fighter must take a full step back before punching again (alternatively, the referee may direct the fighters to "punch out" of the clinch). When a boxer is knocked down, the other boxer must immediately cease fighting and move to the furthest neutral corner of the ring until the referee has either ruled a knockout or called for the fight to continue . </P>

Is it legal to punch the back of the head in boxing