By Mauricio Sulaimán – President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán
Boxing, being a contact sport carries its risks. However, countless changes have been made to the rules, while protocols and procedures have been implemented that have changed its brutal nature. It is the responsibility of all of us who belong to the boxing industry to do our part in securing our performance to maximize the safety of the fighters at all times – promoters, managers, trainers, commissioners, ring officials, inspectors, and of course boxers, their friends and family members.
Our sport is ranked 14th in mortality rates and is constantly improving its administration to minimize the risks for anyone who steps into the ring. However, we must always continue to search for ways to make boxing safer and follow all safety practices.
Last week, a tragedy shook the sports world: two boxers died after their respective fights in Japan. What’s incredible is that it happened on the same fight card. The JBC (Japan Boxing Commission) has initiated a series of meetings to implement immediate measures with the goal of protecting boxers.
We join in prayer for the eternal rest of these two ring warriors, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, sending deepest condolences to their families and friends, as well as for all the members of the Teiken gym.
The World Boxing Council has an emergency committee (Medical Task Force) responsible for handling all issues related to medical aspects. It has a variety of key points to monitor and develop to protect the physical integrity and health of fighters, namely:
Weight. Weight has always been the most dangerous enemy, which is why we must all collaborate to implement and monitor very important aspects, such as:
· Do not gain a lot of weight after fights.
· Mandatory weight monitoring on the BoxMed platform every 30 days.
· Mandatory safety weigh-ins 30, 14, and seven days before the fight.
· Arena weigh-in to monitor how much a fighter’s weight increases from the official weigh-in to the day of the fight.
Valid Local Boxing Commission License. Every fighter must have a valid license with annual renewal, submitting mandatory medical examinations.
· Obtain local commission permit to fight outside their jurisdiction with medical clearance.
· Boxing federations and commissions around the world to demand this permit from the visiting fighter’s original commission.
Mandatory Suspensions After Each Fight. Every fighter must observe a mandatory rest period after their fight. The commission where the fight takes place must issue this suspension, and the number of days means: no training whatsoever.
· Fight with minimal complications: 15 days
· Fights where there was a significant physical demand: 30 days
· Extremely tough fights or losing by KO: 60 days
· Losing by KO and being concussed: 90 days and a mandatory follow-up medical review.
Medical Exams. Every boxer must undergo a variety of medical exams depending on their level, age, performance, and recent results.
· Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should be mandatory at the start of their career, and it’s optimal for it to be valid for one year.
· Annual exam for license renewal according to acceptable international standards.
· Exam before a fight.
· Exam after each fight.
Activity in the Gym and Private Life. It is essential to monitor what happens and report any incident to the boxing commission and the fighter’s manager and promoter.
· Monitor the number of sparring rounds keeping a log.
· Report if a fighter is knocked out during sparring.
· Report if a fighter suffers an injury in a street fight or a domestic accident.
· Report any suspicious condition with symptoms related to a concussion.
Alcohol or Recreational Drug Use. The consumption of alcohol and/or recreational drugs is serious for anyone who practices boxing. The effects impact a fighter’s health in various ways.
· Consuming alcohol inflames the brain, among many other things, and it is highly dangerous to receive blows, even during sparring, under those conditions.
· Recreational drugs have a wide variety of effects that harm the user and can lead to serious and fatal injuries.
Use of Prohibited Performance-Enhancing Substances. It is highly dangerous to consume these types of substances, many of which are found in over-the-counter commercial products.
· A large number of supplements contain prohibited substances, many of them harmful to health.
· It is common to take supplements recommended by irresponsible or ignorant people.
· Every supplement or substance a fighter ingests must be verified. The fighter is responsible for everything that enters their body.
· You can seriously harm your opponent while fighting using performance enhancing drugs.
· Without exception, you will harm your own body in many ways without even knowing it.
Nutrition and Hydration. It is imperative to maintain a balanced diet and optimal hydration levels.
· By following a diet and monitoring weight, you can lose weight responsibly without risking your health.
· Hydration is the most important factor in preventing injuries.
Dangerous Weight Loss Techniques. This is extremely dangerous, and it is a reality that irresponsible people exist who push fighters to the limit, to the point of being inhumane.
· Educate yourself on acceptable methods for weight loss.
· Refuse and report techniques that seem unusual or make you feel unwell.
Promoter and Manager. They have a great responsibility in arranging a fighter’s matches.
· Never schedule unequal fights where there is a clear advantage for one fighter over the other in terms of skill, record, experience, or career age.
· Schedule fights with the appropriate number of rounds for the fighter, aiming to gradually move up in level.
· It is very dangerous for a fighter who has never fought at certain levels to go up and experiment against opponents with much greater experience or skill.
Hand Wraps and Gloves. It is strictly forbidden and considered a criminal act to manipulate the hand wraps or gloves.
· Wrap hands according to the rules and under the supervision of an inspector.
· Never manipulate the materials of the gloves.
Referees and Corner. Stop the fight when it’s the right moment to do so.
· There will always be another opportunity. Never let a fighter continue when it’s clear they are injured or have no chance of winning.
Did you know…?
José Sulaimán and the WBC reduced world championship fights from 15 to 12 rounds, and since 2019, they have lowered regional championships to 10 or even eight rounds.
Today’s Anecdote…
One day, I was having coffee with my father at Caesars Palace when Larry Holmes walked by and sat down. He immediately made an assertive complaint: “José, how could you have changed the fights to 12 rounds? A true champion should fight for 15 rounds.” After a long explanation from my father, Holmes looked at him intently and, smiling, said, “You will always be my President. Thank you for teaching me a lesson. From today on, I will be an ambassador who preaches the greatness of 12 rounds.”
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com.