USA: New Jersey Laws

History of New Jersey Boxing Legislation, Rules & Regulations

Prior to 1910, it appears that prize-fighting was held sporadically in New Jersey. (Or many old shows have not yet been documented or are lost to history.) There had been boxing exhibitions held at various venues, such as Gus Toxler's Central Institute in Newark [1], McGuigan's in Harrison [2], and Wiesemann's Hall (209 Ferry Street [3]) in Newark, among other locations throughout the state. Boxing shows had increased by 1910, however. See here: [4]

(Enter material chronologically)

• 1913-03-11: The House of Assembly passes the Kerwin boxing bill that will, among other things, create a five-person athletic commission and permit boxing shows, with certain restrictions. [5] (It ultimately fails to pass the Senate.)
• 1914-03-23: Yet another boxing bill, passed by the Assembly 31-19, is expected to be "killed" by the Senate. [6]
• 1914-11-02: "Letter to the Editor" (Newark Evening Star) re: the state of boxing in New Jersey: [7]
• 1914-Dec: Although there had been much boxing during the previous years, especially four-rounders at Gus Troxler's Central Institute venue, it seemed that Newark had shut it down by late December 1914. See "Letter to the Editor": [8]. For years afterward, there were only sporadic shows throughout the state. [9]
• 1916-March: Governor Fielder signs bill legalizing amateur bouts.
• 1918: Hurley Law enacted; no-decision 8-rounders allowed. Boxing returns big-time to New Jersey. See: [10]
• 1918-May: Eight weight divisions established; other rules set. [11]
• 1920-April: 12-rounders, no-decision, set as limit.
• 1924-April: Boxing in the greater Perth Amboy vicinity. [12]
• 1928-03-02: The very first decision bout in New Jersey state history is held in Newark. [13]
• 1929-01-07: Atlantic City's North Side Boxing Club stages its first card in which all bouts are decided by official decisions.
• 1931-03-05: Only main event and semi-final bouts are to be judged (decision bouts) in New Jersey. Other bouts on the card shall be no-decision. New York Times
• 1931-03-13: John McCutcheon, State Boxing Commissioner, announces adoption of the "no foul" rule. Fighters claiming fouls will be counted out and paid only for the number of rounds fought. New York Times
• 1942-06-24: State Athletic commissioner John J. Hall declares that, beginning July 1, 1942, all bouts will go to a decision by the referee; previously only the main event and semi-final had been to a decision.