ABC issues a declaration of the influence of pro vs exhibition

On Wednesday, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) published a statement in which it spoke “concerned by the definition of a boxing match”, in particular the difference between professional fights and exhibition fighting.

At a time when celebrity boxing, catalyzed by the rise of influencers such as Jake Paul and Ksi, has become popular with all time, ABC affirms what it considers a professional boxing match – and what it does not do.

“This is the meaning of the association of boxing commissions that, for a pugilist match to be called` professional boxing ”, an event must meet certain criteria which include minimum medical requirements, round duration, standards of judgment, classifications of gloves and weight size, “said the ABC in its declaration.

“… The Term ‘Boxer’ Means an Individual Who Fights in A Professional Boxing Match and because the ABC, in the published unified rules has defined a boxing match as one in which: each round shall consist of a three (3) minute duration, with a one (1) minute Boxing commissions in the ABC and regulators throughout the World specific minimum Medical Requirements, Drug Testing Procedures, GLOVE SIZES, Weight Divisions, Scoring and Age Limits, when variations are made, like shortened rounds, non -standard gloves and others, competition is no longer a professional boxing. »»

Such an example of a professional fight that did not meet the above criteria was the Jake Paul boxing match against Mike Tyson from last year, regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in November.

Paul and Tyson used 14 ounce gloves (rather than the 10 standard ounces for heavy goods vehicles) and fought for eight two -minute rounds (rather than the three -minute male standard.

“The association of boxing commissions considers that regulatory commissions should regulate all combative sports for the safety of participants, but the fighting of celebrity functionalities and other events which depart from the real boxing rules should not be called” Professional boxing, “said the ABC. “Whether it is an unconventional exposure or fighting, in which no decision is made, or a fight where one is determined, unless standard boxing rules are used, it is a sham if it is presented as a professional boxing event. He is responsible for evils such as the risk of inadequacy, manipulation of games and dangers for the participants. The term “professional boxer” is the one held in high esteem for these few athletes who compete in sweet science and follow all the established rules. »»

Tuesday’s declaration was signed by an ABC president Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan Sun), the first vice-president Scott Bowler (Utah), former president Brian Dunn (Nebraska), the second vice-president Matt Schowalter (Minnesota), the treasurer Dennis Reno (North Carolina) and the Secretary Shipman (Florida).

The ABC added that it is not contrary to the modified standard episodes, but that the commissions had to do so within the framework of an exposure designation. Mazzulli regulates the KSI match against Dillon Danis on March 29 in Manchester, England, that will be an exhibition – Not a professional competition.

“If the commissions, sanction organizations or promoters are authorized to modify the rules to suit weaknesses or private forces of competitors, the integrity that remains in boxing sport will be destroyed,” said the ABC. “The promoters saying that this event needs a one -minute touch, saying that another event needs six ounce gloves, saying that other events are only for three laps, or the promoters using only two judges rather than three, or a promoter who wants an event marked on points, not on a 10 -point point. None of this means that a commission or a regulatory organization must refuse the examination of the event, but in no case must it be entitled “professional boxing” independently of the opponents on the map. »»

The complete declaration of the ABC can be consulted here.