Rules of boxing
The exact rules of boxing are unknown, but it is known that the following were not allowed: holds, blows to the genitalia, reinforcing the stripes (thongs) with extra layers of leather and the use of pig-skin straps.  The referees examined the stripes before each contest. During practice the athletes protected their ears by covering them with leather straps called amphotidae or epotidae.
Ancient boxing differed in many ways from modern boxing. The athletes did not compete in different categories according to their weight, on the contrary the opponents were selected by lot. Furthermore, the area where the contest took place is unknown. But it is known that there was no time limit to the contest. Opponents fought until one withdrew either by raising the index finger to show that he admitted defeat, or by falling to the ground. Sometimes, if both contestants agreed, the referee would allow them time to regain their strength.
It seems that they favored effective blows to the head, while the position of the boxer in relation to the sun was crucial. If one managed to force his opponent into a position facing the sun, he would gain an advantage since his opponent would be blinded by the glare. When a contest continued for a long time, the opponents were offered the option of klimax. During a klimax, each man stood still and received a blow from his opponent without trying to avoid it. The athlete that could withstand the blows and make his opponent quit the game or admit his defeat was declared winner.
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