At the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, boxing follows rules specifically adapted for athletes under the age of 17. From bout formats and scoring systems to safety measures, every aspect is carefully regulated to ensure fair competition and protect young boxers.
At the YOG, boxing bouts follow the amateur format established by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Each bout consists of three three-minute rounds, with a one-minute break between rounds. The winner is determined either by the judges’ decision, a referee stoppage or, less commonly, a knockout. The scoring system follows the “10-point must” rule: the boxer who performs better in each round receives 10 points, while their opponent generally receives 9 or fewer, depending on the difference in performance. Judges assess several key criteria, including the number of clean punches landed, technical ability, tactical control and defensive skills.
Judges can award 10 points to the boxer they consider to have performed better in a round, and 9 points to their opponent. This results in a 10–9 score in closely contested rounds. A clear round can be scored 10–8, while a 10–7 score reflects total domination.
Christophe Mibe Djonsi, Boxing Referee
The protection of young athletes is a central element of the regulations. Boxers must wear approved gloves and, depending on their age categories and the regulations in force for IBA youth competitions, protective headgear is mandatory. Each bout is preceded and followed by a medical examination, and a boxer may not return to the ring without observing the mandatory minimum rest period, particularly in cases of a severe blow or suspected concussion. The referee is required to stop the bout immediately in the event of obvious imbalance or any danger to either participant.
Some spectators, due to their lack of knowledge of the rules, tend to speculate about the decisions made by the judges. It is therefore very important to understand the rules. Decisions are never made arbitrarily; they are based on the IBA regulations and on those regulations alone.
Christophe Mibe Djonsi, Boxing Referee
Finally, the organization of boxing at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is part of a broader development strategy. The scoring system emphasizes technical skills rather than physical power, thereby helping to limit dangerous exchanges. The absence of specific qualifying tournaments also reduces the accumulation of bouts prior to the Games. This framework enables young boxers to take part in a demanding international competition while benefiting from a safe environment that is consistent with the educational objectives of the YOG.
