§ 29-143q — (Formerly Sec. 21a-203). Duration of matches. Attendance of approved referee.

(a) No boxing match shall consist of more than twelve rounds and each round shall be no longer than three minutes nor less than two minutes in duration. In all matches, if a contestant who has been knocked down arises before the count of ten seconds, the referee shall complete a count of eight seconds and assure himself that the contestant is fit to continue. The referee may, in the referee's discretion, order a standing knockdown and a mandatory eight count if a contestant is taking a severe beating and is apparently defenseless but is not knocked down. The standing knockdown shall be treated in all respects, including scoring, as a knockdown. (b) No mixed martial arts match shall consist of more than five rounds. Each round shall be followed by a period of rest of not less than one minute. (c) No boxing or mixed martial arts match shall be conducted unless a referee approved by the commissioner is in attendance and directs and controls the match.

Legislative History

(1972, P.A. 55, S. 4; P.A. 80-137, S. 2; P.A. 83-124; P.A. 84-344, S. 8, 11; P.A. 85-157, S. 6, 9; 85-293, S. 5; P.A. 98-117, S. 8; P.A. 99-194, S. 14; P.A. 13-259, S. 7.) History: P.A. 80-137 replaced requirement that rounds be three minutes with provision that they be at least two but not more than three minutes in length; Sec. 19-333a transferred to Sec. 21a-203 in 1983; P.A. 83-124 added provisions for mandatory eight count and standing knockdown; P.A. 84-344 required that boxing and wrestling exhibitions be directed by a referee approved by the commissioner, effective March 1, 1985; P.A. 85-157 substituted “commissioner of consumer protection” for “commissioner”, to reflect abolition of state boxing commission; P.A. 85-293 removed references to wrestling bouts; P.A. 98-117 made technical changes; P.A. 99-194 made gender neutral changes, replaced references to boxing exhibition with references to boxing match and shortened permissible duration of match from fifteen to twelve rounds; Sec. 21a-203 transferred to Sec. 29-143q in 2007; P.A. 13-259 designated existing provisions re round duration and knockdown procedures as Subsec. (a), added Subsec. (b) re maximum of 5 rounds for mixed martial arts match with a minimum 1 minute rest period between rounds, and designated existing provision re approval, attendance and role of referee as Subsec. (c) and amended same to make applicable to mixed martial arts match and make a conforming change.