TO: All Referees
FROM: Larry Hazzard Sr., Commissioner
SUBJECT: Modification to Replacing the Mouthpiece Rule (After Knockdowns)
DATE: July 6, 2005

Over the past twenty (20) years, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board - “NJSACB” - has been instrumental in developing and initiating many changes designed to improve the health, safety, and welfare of boxers, and the overall integrity of professional combative sports. Among the progressive changes that originated in New Jersey are the Replacement of the Mouthpiece Rule, implemented in the 1980s, the Use of Rubber Gloves by Cornerman Rule, implemented in the early 1990s, and the Unified Championship Rules, implemented in the late 1990s. These rules have had international significance on the sport and have been enthusiastically received by the world boxing community.

Recently, Ed Schuyler, a respected boxing journalist, highlighted some very important issues concerning the Replacement of the Mouthpiece Rule, which must be considered for the betterment of the sport. The Mouthpiece Rule is a good rule; however, Schuyler has revealed some distinct flaws in the practical application of it.

According to Mr. Schuyler, the present procedure utilized in applying the rule provides an unfair advantage for a knocked down boxer when time is immediately suspended after the Mandatory Eight Count to replace his mouthpiece. Schuyler believes that a knockdown should be viewed in all fairness as an intricate aspect of the immediate action, and not a lull in the action. Therefore, if the mouthpiece is knocked out during a knockdown, then the knocked down boxer should be required to demonstrate his ability to continue in the bout by creating a lull after the referee administers the Mandatory Eight Count. The mouthpiece should remain out until the boxer who was knocked down creates the lull in the action. The referee can then have the mouthpiece replaced at the first opportunity during the lull.”

This application of the rule will prevent a boxer on the verge of being knocked out, or technically knocked out (TKO), from being unfairly rescued by getting extra time to recuperate due to the immediate suspension of the time to replace his mouthpiece.

In the Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo bout, which took place several months ago in Nevada, Corrales survived two (2) knockdowns in round ten (10) to come back in the same round and score a dramatic victory by TKO. Time was immediately suspended after both knockdowns to have Corrales’ mouthpiece replaced. Even though the referee correctly penalized him for deliberately removing the mouthpiece during one of the knockdowns, Corrales may have still benefited from the extra time needed to put it back in his mouth as well as informing the judges of the penalty.

Therefore, please be advised that effective immediately, referees licensed in the State of New Jersey shall follow the procedures outlined below for replacing the mouthpiece after a knockdown occurs:

1) The referee shall follow the customary knockdown procedure.

2) If the knocked down boxer is able to continue in the bout, the referee must command the boxers to resume boxing. At the first opportune moment, retrieve the mouthpiece, but do not call time and immediately replace it.

3) Do not interfere until you are convinced that your interference will not rescue a boxer who is near being knocked out or TKO’d.

4) When the knocked down boxer has convincingly retreated and/or created a convincing lull in the action, call time and have the mouthpiece washed and replaced. Do not allow cornermen to stall the process of washing and replacing the mouthpiece.

5) A knocked down boxer who deliberately removes his mouthpiece shall be appropriately penalized. Follow the customary knockdown procedures described above, but do not take extra time during the round to notify the judges of the penalty.

6) Inform the judges of the penalty during the rest period at the end of the round in which the violation occurred.

Please contact me in writing if you have any questions and/or comments concerning this modified procedure for Replacing the Mouthpiece.