Boxers on British fight shows will wear protective masks during ring walks and could be banned from using a spit bucket between rounds under proposed rules for events.
The sport is gearing up for a behind-closed-doors return in the UK in July, after being shut down in most countries across the world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Referees and trainers in the fighters' corners must wear protective masks throughout any event and the proposals include thorough testing of all those involved.
In a five-page consultation document sent to UK promoters and seen by BBC Sport, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) says a July restart will initially see events contain no more than five bouts and no "championship contests".
The document sets out proposed rules which include:
- Fight shows to begin without any fans
- Boxers, referees and trainers will be transported to the venue wearing personal protective masks
- A fighter may remove their protective mask when inside the ring - but referees and teams in the corner must keep theirs on
- Boxers may not spit in their respective corners
- No ring announcers, ring girls or TV cameras inside the ring
- All proposed venues must be reviewed by the BBBofC and "cleaned to a medical standard" before the event
- Only "essential" officials, promoters and broadcasters can attend
- Individuals in high-risk categories such as pregnant women, those "seriously overweight" or people with diabetes should not attend
- Everyone at an event must be tested for Covid-19
- All boxers, trainers and referees must be tested for Covid-19 48 hours before fight night and self-isolate at a hotel until their test result is known
The BBBofC contacted BBC Sport on Wednesday and said none of the proposed rules were binding and that the views of promoters will be considered over the coming weeks.
The organisation also said there will not be a complete ban on spitting but that a method for a fighter to "refresh themselves" will be implemented. The use of a sealed device was cited as a possibility.
It was also made clear that while championship contests such as those for the British title are off limits for any return event, they could form part of shows in the near future if feasible.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said the proposals provided "huge barriers to overcome", while another industry insider described the document as "farcical". BBC SPORTS