BoxRec

I would like to hear everybody’s ideas on how to revolutionise boxing to make it a better and fairer sport.

In the same way that companies get staff/consultants together to ‘brainstorm’ let’s hear your ideas no matter how bizarre. I’ll start off by throwing one in, I know there are faults with it but maybe we can come up with a good idea by refining one that is good in concept but poorly thought out?

My biggest grumble with boxing is that it is inherently corrupt in it’s nature simply because of the way fights are arranged. Promoters bid for fights, they are staged when they feel like it or when it makes sense for TV companies e.t.c.

For example with every other sport the contests will take place at the same time every year. You know as sure as eggs is eggs that the Premiership will start in August this year as will the Olympics. Wimbledon will happen every year where the best players in the world play each other and on and on…

If you could get boxing down to one governing body (easier said than done I know, I would settle just for that scenario) instead of the usual rankings you could announce an initial top 8 who box off against each other.

For example in say March the No 1 (i.e champion) fights the No 8 ranked fighter. The No 2 ranked fighter fights the No 7 guy. No 6 fights No 3 and No’s 3 and 4 box off.

You then have a semi-final situation taking place in around July/August and finally a final in November and thus a world champion!

Those eliminated in the first round of bouts get demoted to the next group of 8 below (No’s ranked 9 to 16) and those who make the semi’s of that second tier group get promoted to the top 8.

So each year these groups of 8 box off in a series of mini-leagues. One obvious downside is that I guess it could take a ferocious 18 year old Mike Tyson type figure 4/5 years to cut through the mini-leagues but hey it’s an idea…

If you’ve stayed with me this far I salute you….

My biggest crumble is the safety aspects. I think all coaches must do some qualification in sport science.

Other laws I would introduce, a two minute break between rounds. Controversial maybe, but I keep wandering if McClennon's coach would have had more time to watch his charge would he have gone out for the 10th. Same with Ingle, Watson and several others.

Secondly, the introduction of isotonic drinks in between rounds - why are we so far behind the times, encourage more outdoor events and fans under the lights in indoor events (a suggestion be Frank Maloney).

Also, all fights a scored by 3 judges (or at least 2 judges and a ref).

Sadly I think that pro boxing has opened a pandoras box with the proliferation of weight classes, governing bodies, tv money rankings etc. as long as theres mnoney to be made then those kind of problems will always be here.

The one thing that really grates with me is the computerised scoring system used in amateur boxing. its awful. skillfull guys who throw quick combinations or vary their punches are often penalised, where as those who throw steady single punches are often the beneficiaries.

Sadly, there's only one way to sort this current mess out in my opinion: boxing needs to be banned, unbanned and start afresh.

There is no way that boxing could be banned. it would simply drive it underground resulting in unlicensed, unregulated bouts with no safety facilities, no governing bodies, very little rules and even more serious injuries and fatalities.

Besides once it was legalise again whats to stop the multitude of governing bodies starting again too? as long as theres a belt theres a buck!

bennie wrote:boxing needs to be banned, unbanned and start afresh.

Hadn't thought of that. I just think that once banned it wouldn't come back.