IBF Abolishes Second Weigh-in For Unification Bouts

[Ruthless-RKO]

As Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo fought for all the major belts this past weekend (WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF), neither fighter was required by the IBF to participate in a second weigh-in before the fight. Their rules state that boxers who are in IBF title fights can not weigh more than 10 pounds above the weight limit.

IBF president, Daryl Peoples, while on vacation sent a statement, via text, to BS.com:

"During the IBF convention in May, we decided to waive the second day weigh-ins for unification bouts. However we encourage all fighters to participate in both weight-ins," Peoples stated.

This rule change probably stemmed from the situation that took place on March 18th when unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin faced Daniel Jacobs in New York.

Golovkin, who has the WBC, IBO, WBA and IBF titles, was obliged to participate in the Saturday morning weigh-in if he wanted to fight for the IBF belt.

Jacobs, perhaps gaming the system, decided not to go through with the IBF procedure and made the decision to just compete for the WBC and WBA belts. Many believe that Jacobs came in significantly heavier than Golovkin as they both stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden.

Perhaps sensing that this rule would unfairly handicap unified belt-holders like Golovkin, the IBF made this amendment.

[RScarf1]

I agree with this. Until the other sanctioning bodies have the same rule, then this is how it has to be. It is an unfair advantage for one champion to follow one rule and the other champion does not have to abide by it.

[Enlightened-One]

This is a weird one... Whilst I agree with the rule change, it disappoints me that the IBF generally discourages title unification (via their unreasonably strict schedule for facing mandatory challengers).

[caldo2025]

It's the only move that the IBF could have made and I applaud them for doing it so quickly before one more boxer gets penalized for abiding by the rules. Good for Daniel Jacobs and his team for being smart enough to exploit the second weigh in clause. Smart boxing teams should be searching for any edge they can possibly get for their guy. I'm glad they axed the second weigh in though.

GGG's Team were outsmarted a couple of times in the Jacobs fight...the weigh in and the switch to southpaw. How some things weren't even considered prior to the fight shows that either they are over confident and do not worry about those things or that they are just not bright. Some things to consider with the fight coming up with Canelo. You know that Canelo and Golden Boy will find any edge possible.

[Mexi-Box]

It's because Crawford would die if he had to do the second weigh-in. The man is gigantic in every weight division he's been in. I also absolutely hate that part about the IBF. It's a dumb rule because no one else does it. I don't like half-measures, and I like the added dynamic that weight draining brings into the sport.

[boxing_rocks]

It's because Crawford would die if he had to do the second weigh-in. The man is gigantic in every weight division he's been in. I also absolutely hate that part about the IBF. It's a dumb rule because no one else does it. I don't like half-measures, and I like the added dynamic that weight draining brings into the sport.

IBF rule is good. They are trying to not allow one fighter to have a 10+ pound advantage in a ring. Unfortunately for them, other ABCs don't have similar rules. They don't want to lose sanctioning fees, which is why they are now not applying the rule for unifications.

[Andrew]

Hmmm they cancel the second day weigh in before Canelo fights for one of their titles in a few weeks in the biggest fight of the year.....

[boxing_rocks]

Hmmm they cancel the second day weigh in before Canelo fights for one of their titles in a few weeks in the biggest fight of the year.....

Canelo isnt't even a MW champion, but they will still apply their decision.

[Mexi-Box]

It's because Crawford would die if he had to do the second weigh-in. The man is gigantic in every weight division he's been in. I also absolutely hate that part about the IBF. It's a dumb rule because no one else does it. I don't like half-measures, and I like the added dynamic that weight draining brings into the sport.

IBF rule is good. They are trying to not allow one fighter to have a 10+ pound advantage in a ring. Unfortunately for them, other ABCs don't have similar rules. They don't want to lose sanctioning fees, which is why they are now not applying the rule for unifications.

I don't think it's good. If you are going to complain about weight draining, just do same-day. This rehydration limit thing is probably more dangerous because fighters wait for a while before they start rehydrating.

Plus, during unifications, it'll be likely that fighters will not fight for the IBF to get an advantage like Jacobs did.

[Evander]

Their rules state that boxers who are in IBF title fights can not weigh more than 10 pounds above the weight limit.

IBF president, Daryl Peoples, while on vacation sent a statement, via text, to BS.com:

"During the IBF convention in May, we decided to waive the second day weigh-ins for unification bouts. However we encourage all fighters to participate in both weight-ins," Peoples stated.

If you live long enough you'll hear it all.

10 pounds above the weight limit means there is no weigh limit
We encourage all fighters to participate in both weigh ins but they're going to abolish second weigh ins.

Just when you think you've heard it all it get's even more hilarious