The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) is taking a major step forward in terms of athlete representation.
On Wednesday, ABC revealed the formation of an “athletes’ voice committee”. This was to better connect fighters with regulators. It will allow athletes to express their concerns, and give regulators greater opportunities to educate fighters about key issues in the sport.
“The ABC hopes that this committee will enable all fighters understand the sport’s regulatory side,” Michael Mazzulli (President of the ABC) stated in a press release. “At every weigh-in I ask fighters questions relating to rules and regulations, and it is apparent to me a majority of combative participants do not have clear knowledge of the Rules and Scoring Criteria. This will allow fighters to have a say at the table.
The committee, which will include six former professional fighters and seven volunteers from the ABC, will be headed by Kim Sumbler (New York State Athletic Commission Executive director). The volunteer members include Nick Meeker from Wyoming Combat Sports Commission, Tony Cummings from Colorado Combative Sports, Jon Hollingsworth from South Carolina State Athletic Commission, Erik Magraken, an attorney for the ABC rules-and regulations committee, and Jack Reiss as a boxing referee.
*Fighters who have been confirmed are Carlos Newton, a former UFC Welterweight champion and Din Thomas (current UFC analyst). UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture has also been attached to the project.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this historical moment for our community, and I’m honored to help where I can,” Thomas stated in the press release.
The ABC hosts a variety of committees which meet frequently to discuss the latest events in combat sport. Although decisions made by committees aren’t binding, they can be brought to the attention of ABC every year for a vote.
In the next weeks, the ABC will post a form for athletes to join the committee on their website.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/8/23591867/din-thomas-carlos-newton-among-additions-to-association-of-boxing-commissions-new-fighter-committee?rand=96749
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