# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 12: Boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting matches or sparring exhibitions; penalty

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S12

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 12
- **Heading:** Boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting matches or sparring exhibitions; penalty
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part IV / Title I / Chapter 265 / Section 12

## Text

Section 12. Whoever directly or indirectly, except as provided in sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, of chapter 147, gives, promotes or engages in a public boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting match or sparring exhibition, or engages in a private boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event match or sparring exhibition, for which the contestants have received or have been promised any pecuniary reward, remuneration or consideration whatsoever shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3 months or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Section 12. Whoever directly or indirectly, except as provided in sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, of chapter 147, gives, promotes or engages in a public boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting match or sparring exhibition, or engages in a private boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event match or sparring exhibition, for which the contestants have received or have been promised any pecuniary reward, remuneration or consideration whatsoever shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3 months or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both such fine and imprisonment.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 1 Murder defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 2 Punishment for murder; parole; executive clemency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 3 Duel; wound without and death within state; venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 4 Accessory in duel](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 5 Duel; conviction or acquittal in foreign state; effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 9 Prize fighting; engaging](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 10 Prize fight; aiding or promoting; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 11 Prize fight; appointment within and fight without state; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 12 Boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting matches or sparring exhibitions; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S12.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13 Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13A Assault or assault and battery; punishment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13B Indecent assault and battery on child under age of 14; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13C Assault and battery to collect loan; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13D Assault and battery upon public employees; attempt to disarm police officer; assault and battery upon a police officer; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13D.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S12. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.