Code of Massachusetts Regulations
523 CMR - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION (FORMERLY, STATE BOXING COMMISSION)
Title 523 CMR 14.00 - General Requirements For All Unarmed Combat Contests And Exhibitions
Section 14.17 - Leaving Ring During Period of Rest Prohibited; Effect of Failure to Resume Competition

An unarmed combatant shall not leave the ring or, if the contest or exhibition is being held in a fenced area, the fenced area, during any period of rest that follows a period of unarmed combat. If an unarmed combatant fails or refuses to resume competing when the bell sounds signaling the commencement of the next round, the referee shall award a decision of technical knockout to their opponent as of the round which has last been finished, unless the circumstances indicate to the Commission the need for investigation or punitive action, in which event the referee shall not give a decision and shall recommend that the purse or purses of either or both unarmed combatants be withheld.