United Adaptive Boxing Council
The National Governing Body for Adaptive Boxing in the United States of America
Vision
On a mission to make adaptive boxing a Paralympic sport. The United Adaptive Boxing Council is the reputable governing body for adaptive boxing in the U.S., ensuring adaptive athlete safety by strictly following UABC Ability Classification, weight regulations, medical criteria, and guidelines mandated by USA Boxing.
Current UABC US Adaptive Boxing Champions
Vacant
UABC US Men's Lightweight Champion
U.A.B.C Rules & Standards
UABC ensures the safety of all adaptive athletes by following the UABC ability classification, weight classification, and accessory requirements established by the organization. Additionally, UABC follows medical requirements and standards set by the USA Boxing Rulebook & Guidelines for our Amateur adaptive boxing matchups.
Our sparring and competitive rounds are 3 to 4 two minute rounds with a 1 minute rest break between rounds.
Adaptive Weight Classification
All Adaptive Divisions Male & Female
Heavyweight
175lb-200lbs +
Middleweight
140-174lbs
Lightweight
110lb-139lbs
Adaptive Divisions (Wheelchair Users)
Eligible fighters must be evenly matched by way of scaled score including following factors: weight classification, ability level and skill level. *Skill based on number of sparring/bouts.
Division A
Good Trunk Control & Mobility without loss of balance. Full use of upper extremities
- Elite Mobile
- Elite Locked in
- Advanced
- Intermediate 1, 2, 3 (Developmental)
- Beginner
Division B
Impairment that impacts trunk/balance and/or 1 upper extremity
- Elite Mobile
- Elite Locked in
- Advanced
- Intermediate 1,2,3 (Developmental)
- Beginner
Division C
Impairment that impacts trunk and/or upper extremities/reaction timing/coordination
- Intermediate 1,2,3
- Beginner
Division C may not participate in the Advanced or Elite level competition but can participate in exhibitions and sparring
*Competition level Advancement of levels within category is determined by: Number of sparring bouts, Skill level, Coaches discretion, Weight classification, Medical clearance.
Adaptive Boxing Equipment Requirements
- ✓16 oz Gloves (Mandatory)
- ✓Hand wraps (Mandatory)
- ✓USA Approved Head Gear (Mandatory)
- ✓Mouthguard (Mandatory)
- ✓Chest Protector (Optional)
- ✓Wheelchair Stabilizer (Mandatory)
- ✓Belt Stabilizer (Mandatory)
- ✓Leg Stabilizer (Mandatory)
Important: Adaptive boxers must be listed as an "ACTIVE" Boxer to receive their amateur adaptive boxing license to compete in competition/demonstration/exhibition matches. Adaptive Boxers listed as "INACTIVE" will only be allowed to train during clinics including light sparring, but will not be able to compete.
Adaptive Boxing Affiliations
Upcoming Events
September 2026 - Adaptive Boxing Showcase 4 (TBD)
Latest News
December 13th, 2025
3 UABC Adaptive Boxers traveled to Santurtzi, Spain to compete at Undefined Fighters Night
- Claudia "Baby Tyson" Def. Joanna "Real Deal" by Decision to win the UFN International Women's Adaptive Boxing Championship
- Alijaah "King Kong" Def Ekrem (FRA) by Decision to win the UFN International Men's Heavyweight Adaptive Boxing Championship
December 5th, 2025
Claudia "Baby Tyson" Palacios steps in to fight Joanna "The Real Deal" Bonilla on the Undefined Fighters Night Card in Santurtzi, Spain after international opponent pulls out with 3 weeks to fight day. This match between Baby Tyson and The Real Deal will be contested for an International Undefined Fighters Night Title & for Baby Tyson will be contested for The Vacant UABC US Women's Heavyweight Title.
September 2025
Inaugural UABC Adaptive Boxing Champions crowned for first time in US at the UABC Sanctioned Adaptive Boxing Showcase 3
- Jonathan "Suavecito" defeated Orlando "The Wheel Deal" by Split Decision to win the Vacant Men's US UABC Middleweight Title
- Kelley "The Truth" defeated Claudia "Baby Tyson" by Split Decision to win the Vacant Women's US UABC Lightweight Title
- Joanna "The Real Deal" defeated Shelby "Lethal" by Unanimous Decision to win the Vacant Women's US UABC Middleweight Title
- Alijaah "King Kong" defeated Abe "Freight Train" by Split Decision to win the Vacant Men's US UABC Heavyweight Title
Get Involved
For Adaptive Athletes
Want to compete? Get Classified? Learn more about Adaptive Boxing?
Submit Adaptive Boxer ApplicationFor Coaches
Interested in learning more about coaching adaptive boxing?
Check out our coaching resources and training materials.
UABC Committee Members
- Committee Chair: Devon Palermo - Head Coach DPI Adaptive Boxing Club
- Joanna Bonilla: Adaptive Boxer/Coach DPI Adaptive Boxing Club
- Orlando Perez: Adaptive Boxer, Strike Boxing Utah
- Mindy Vernier: Head Coach Fighters Nashville
- Steve Vernier: Coach Fighters Nashville
- Abe Waugh: Adaptive Boxer, DPI Adaptive Boxing Club
- Alec Pritchard: Coach DPI Adaptive Boxing Club