The beard rule

Alister · Post by **Alister** » 25 May 2004, 06:57

I understand that amateur fighters are not allowed to have beards at all, and that pro fighters who sport them can be forced to shave them if the opponent demands so.
The reason is because a beard can potentially scratch the opponents eyes in a clinch situation.
I assume this must have happened at one time or another for the beard rule to included into the rules and regulations of the sport.
Does anyone know in which fight this occured?
Thanks!

Alister

TheRiverCityHippy · Post by **TheRiverCityHippy** » 25 May 2004, 15:34

grizzly adams ko2 zz top

like hagler hearns but with more hair.

boxingfan2004 · Post by **boxingfan2004** » 08 Jun 2004, 17:43

I would be interested in the answer to this, too. I know that Jack Dempsey was forced to be clean-shaven rather than have his usual 3- or 4-day-old beard for the 1926 fight against Tunney because it was a rule in Philadelphia at the time. I was wondering why they had that rule, but scratching the eye certainly makes sense - especially since Dempsey was certainly a dirty fighter - especially in clinches.

Eric the Viking · Post by **Eric the Viking** » 09 Jun 2004, 11:47

Livingstone Bramble was often accused (usually by guys who lost to him, not surprisingly) of rubbing his dreadlocks in his opponents' faces during clinches. Some even accused him of putting irritant substances in his dreads (though classic dreads aren't supposed to be washed, i.e. would be irritating just from the dirt, dust & sweat that helps glue them together.)

Don't know if he was ever forced to shave his dreads, though.

Richie Aprille rules · Post by **Richie Aprille rules** » 12 Jun 2004, 08:12

Rubin Carter was forced to shave his beard before facing Giardello, I think.