The EBU Classifications Commission Ratings standards

Article 1 - Introduction

The Classifications Commission has been appointed and works according to article 17 of the Articles of Association of the European Boxing Union Limited.

Article 2 - Function of the E.B.U. Classification Commission

The Classifications Commission works and decides independently from the EBU Council; appeals by EBU members or any of the Affiliated National Associations against decisions made by the Classifications Commission have to be heard and determined by the Appeals Committee (art. 18.1.1) The Classifications Commission will compile each month a table of up to 20 European boxers in each of the weight categories recognized from time to time by the Company, such a table (ratings) to be based upon the results of the most recent contests in each such weight category up to the last day of the previous month. Such ratings will be circulated amongst all members and Affiliated National Associations by the General Secretary before the 10th of each month. (Example: The ratings up to March will include all results up to March 31st and be published not later than April 10th.)

Article 3 - Eligibility

To be eligible to be rated in the EBU ratings a boxer must be: (a) at least 20 years of age; and (b) domiciled in and a national of a European Country; and (c) licensed by an Affiliated National Association

Article 4 - Weights

The ratings are mode for the following weight categories actually recognized by the EBU:

---------------LBS --KGS

Fly -----------112 -50,802

Bantam ------118 -53,524

Superbantam-122 -55,338

Feather ------126 -57,153

Superfeather-130 -58,967

Light ---------135 -61,235

Superlight ---140 -63,503

Welter -------147 -67,678

Superwelter-154 -69,853

Middle----- -160 -72,575

Supermiddle-168 -76,204

Lightheavy ---175 -79,379

Cruiser ------200 -90,719

Heavy ------+200 + 90,719

Article 5 - Standards of rating

As a general rule the Classification Commission at its complete discretion shall rate only boxers who are capable of fighting for the EBU-title, who have a professional record of at least eight contests and who have fought at least twice within the last two years in a European country the National Professional Boxing Association of which is affiliated with the EBU. The Classification Commission at its complete discretion shall take in account the boxer's general ability, his recent performances, his record (amateur and professional) and activity as well as the value of his opponents. The EU champion shall be rated no lower then #6. (This rule has been implemented for a trial period of one year starting on June 7, 2003).

Article 6 - Introduction of a boxer

A boxer may be recommended to be rated by: - a member of the Classification Commission or Technical Advisors. - written recommendation of his licensing National Association (who shall enclose his most recent and complete record). As a general rule, no boxer will be included in the ratings after having been defeated in his last contest; it is to the discretion of the Classification Commission to decide otherwise. The boxer shall only be rated in one division at a time and he has to have fought at least once in his last 2 contests in that division or hold a title in that division.

Article 7 - Removal of the Ratings

A boxer shall no longer be rated; - if the Classification Commission at it's complete discretion no longer regards the boxer as a worthy contender. - If he has been inactive for more than 10 full months (after five month of inactivity he shall drop in the ratings). This rule does not apply to current EBU champions or challengers. The Classification Commission shall recommend an inactive EBU champion or challenger to have a warm up bout whenever this is possible and does not postpone the mandatory defence. - If he is no longer licensed by an EBU Affiliated National Association (his National Association has to inform the Classification Commission immediately). - if he is medical unfit for a long period (his National Association has to inform the Classification Commission immediately). - if he is suspended by his National Association (which has to inform the Classification Commission immediately). - on a written request of his National Affiliated Association. - if he is condemned to prison as a result of conviction for a crime this to be reviewed on his release. - When he has tested positive for a drug test (in any fight, in any country) and this for the entire duration of his suspension by his National Affiliated Association.

Article 8 - World champions

In the event that a European champion is appointed to box for a World championship (and such a contest prevents him fulfilling his obligations to engage in a mandatory defense of his European title) he must relinquish the European title (art. 19 of the European Championship Regulations). The WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF champions will not be listed but mentioned as World Champion. The champions of other World organisations will be listed. All current world champions who are licensed by an EBU Affiliated National Association are not eligible for a European title contest.

Article 9 - Official Challenger

The Official Challenger will be appointed by the Classification Commission through the General Secretary at the moment of the confirmation of the previous EBU championship contest. Unless otherwise decided at the complete discretion of the Classification Commission, the highest rated and available contender who accepts shall be the next Official Challenger. No contender marked with a star (see article 11) can be appointed as Official Challenger. As a general rule, no contender shall be appointed as Official Challenger immediately after having been defeated unless the Classification Commission at its complete discretion decides otherwise. (e.g. if it is a close defeat in a recognized world title contest).

Article 10 - Lose of the Official Challenger status

If, between the date when the Official Challenger has been nominated by the Classification Commission and the time by which the EBU championship must take place, the Official Challenger is beaten in a contest then, unless otherwise determined by the Classification Commission at its complete discretion - he shall be replaced by the highest rated and available contender who accepts to be the next Official Challenger.

Article 11 - Withdrawal from a EBU championship contest

The contender (champion or challenger), who withdraws from a mandatory EBU contest; - after the purse offers or; - after the contest has been agreed by the parties and approved by the General Secretary; shall be fined and shall no longer be eligible as Official Challenger for the period of at least 6 full months. Then he has the possibility to pay his fine and the star will be removed. Anyway if after full 12 months he did not pay he shall be removed from the ratings until the fine has been paid. Such boxer may stay rated and may be involved in a voluntary EBU championship contest but he shall be marked in the ratings with a star.

Article 12 - General

All decisions of the Classification Commission shall be determined by a simple majority of votes cast at meetings of the Classification Commission; voting by telephonic, facsimile or email communication is possible. In the case of an equality of votes, the President of the EBU, or if he is not present or available at the time of the voting, the Chairman of the Classification Commission shall be entitled to a second or casting vote. A member of the Classification Commission shall not vote in respect of any decision in which he has any direct or indirect interest.