BoxRec

Being an American, I wish this was a system that was allowed here in the States. Not everyone can be a professional boxer, but there is a chance at being 'semi-pro' and being decent at it. My question is, what if an American came to Great Britain and Ireland and wanted to compete in these events. Could it be done? Is it possible? I know Ron Stander fought Roy Shaw in the 70s, and that Butterbean fought in an unlicensed event some years against either Scott Gammer or Mark Potter, I cant remember which.

I can't see why not

On a similar, though different note, it's odd how the current Thai scene seems a bit like the old Boxing Booths.

Boxing Prospect wrote:I can't see why not

On a similar, though different note, it's odd how the current Thai scene seems a bit like the old Boxing Booths.

I heard a rumor, there is still one or two boxing booths that still operate out of Great Britain. Any truth to this?

Not only can Americans box on the unlicensed, I mean non-BBBofC circuit, many have. I know Butterbean and Tim Wetherspoon have boxed on EBF shows in the North West.

Trust me, though, you don't want this scene in the US. Most of us on here would love to have the statutory system you guys have, where one body is the legally recognised regulator. It would help cut down the amount of charlatans currently trying to rip British boxing apart.

There is no difference in standard between our unlicensed lads and some of the regional fighters in America.

Isn't every state in the USA their own regulator?

This Rufus guy hates the American culture and would much rather come to Great Britain/Ireland to live the gypsy life.

Please someone tell him wherever he is in the States that its better off where he is now.

Wake up call wrote:Not only can Americans box on the unlicensed, I mean non-BBBofC circuit, many have. I know Butterbean and Tim Wetherspoon have boxed on EBF shows in the North West.

Trust me, though, you don't want this scene in the US. Most of us on here would love to have the statutory system you guys have, where one body is the legally recognised regulator. It would help cut down the amount of charlatans currently trying to rip British boxing apart.

I think, as an American, I would warn Britain not to emulate us. We have, in essence, destroyed the sport of boxing with over-regulations and making it next to impossible for 'mom and pop' shows to occur anymore. Just to put on a pro show, costs upwards of $20,000 and that is just the commission fee. Not to talk badly of our commissioners here, but let's be honest, what really needs to be overseen and regulated when you have doctors at ringside, a proper referee in that ring, and two evenly matched fighters? To me, its money well wasted and just further powers commissions to put a stranglehold on combat sports.

I will agree, however, there are some people who shouldn't do shows and who do a rather shoddy job of it too. But, its rather rude and biased to lump all 'semi-pro' promoters into this mold. In fact, I would argue that many of these shows, are safer and less a danger to the sport than certified promotions. What I would suggest, for those who disagree with this sentiment, is that all promotions that do such shows, ought to be evaluated every six months--- those that happen to fall beneath a certain quota of safety and precautions, ought to be terminated from putting on any further shows.

And from what I understand, anyways, that representatives of the BBBC do often times appear to these shows and give their reports. So, long as there is physicals and doctors nearby, I don't see the issue or the problem; unless there is gross mismatches on the cards. As for the "criminal element" that you speak of, the same can be said of professional boxing inside and outside the ring.

mickey1975 wrote:There is no difference in standard between our unlicensed lads and some of the regional fighters in America.

I would agree very much with this sentiment. You ever take a gander at such states as West Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or even uncommissioned states such as Wyoming, you will find men and women both who are even less than semi-pro competitors in Ireland and Great Britain. Problem with 'regulated' boxing is that these poor guys--- myself included in this--- have no alternative or avenue, but to be cannon fodder for up and coming prospects. The American view is, nobody wants to see 0-1, 0-3, 2-5, etc. types fight one another--- so you have to pay out of your own pocket, to get yourself onto a card, if you want to face off against a man similar to yourself. Most guys cant do that.

GilFilmore wrote:This Rufus guy hates the American culture and would much rather come to Great Britain/Ireland to live the gypsy life.

Please someone tell him wherever he is in the States that its better off where he is now.

I don't hate America, and don't hate the American culture--- what I detest, however, is a sport that is virtually unfair to men and women, by not giving them the chances or opprotunities to better themselves. If this sport, in America, had a bracket system or had a change in licensing where 0-1, 0-3, 2-5, etc. types could only fight the same type of opponents, and so on and so forth--- then I would have no reason to make a complaint. But, as it stands, this sport is only beneficial to prospects, former amateur champions, etc. that big time promotions throw their money at and piss on the rest.

As for 'much rather come to Great Britain/Ireland', in terms of possibly competing in a venue where all competitors are the same level, and that it wouldn't be a black mark on your pro/amateur record win or loss, and possibly earn some dough while you are learning to better your craft--- sure why the hell not.

As for the gypsy remark, I will ignore it. Which has nothing to do with the topic at hand, and is nothing more than a racist comment towards myself as I have mentioned in previous threads of either being in part gypsy, or being a fan of certain gypsy fighters.