Ex-International Boxer and Abia State Sports Ambassador (Boxing), Mazi Ikechukwu Okoronkwo has called for radical changes in the boxing profession to save boxers and the game from preventable harms.
Mazi Okoronkwo who is also a Professional Boxing Promoter in a petition to The Chairman National Sports Commission Abuja,The Presidents and Executive Boards Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Nigerians Boxing Board of Control ( NBB of C), as well as the World Boxing Council [WBC], World Boxing Organization [WBO], International Boxing Federation [IBF] and World Boxing Association [WBA] called for the reduction of rounds in professional Boxing Title fights.
The boxing Ambassador noted that his suggestion is in the interest of the health of the boxers, demanding that fights be drastically reduced from the current 12 rounds to a maximum of 4 to 6 rounds.
He writes thus:
Dear Esteemed Leaders of World Boxing,
I write to you as a Former Boxer,Ex International Boxer and Professional Boxing Promoter with deep concern for the health, safety, and future of our athletes, following my observation of recent professional bouts including Ituma’s fight at the O2 Arena, London and some of the accidents that happen in the Boxing Ring as reference also.
- BASIS OF THIS PETITION
Boxing is a sport that demands extraordinary physical and mental endurance. Having been an active athlete retired and promoted fights and worked closely with boxers, I understand firsthand and how energy and stamina are depleted over the course of a bout. When a boxer becomes exhausted, every additional round exponentially increases the risk of concussion, brain injury, and other life-threatening conditions. - THE PROPOSAL
I respectfully petition all major world boxing bodies to consider reducing the number of rounds in professional championship title fights from the current 12 rounds to a maximum of 4 to 6 rounds. - REASONS FOR THIS CALL
- Athlete Safety: Reducing rounds will significantly reduce cumulative head trauma and long-term health damage to boxers.
- Precedent Exists: When Olympic-style boxing was tested in the professional ranks, contests were limited to 4 rounds. Those fights were highly entertaining and recorded a far better safety record.
- Fan Engagement: Shorter fights are more action-packed, maintain higher intensity, and are more appealing to modern audiences and broadcasters.
- Sportsmanship Over Punishment: Boxing should be a contest of skill, strategy, and courage. It should not be an event designed to punish athletes beyond their physical limits.
- PRAYER
In light of the above, I humbly request that the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA jointly constitute a Medical and Rules Committee to review and pilot 4-round and 6-round formats for professional title fights. The goal should be to place athlete welfare at the center of all decisions.
Boxing gave us glory. Let us ensure it does not take our fighters’ health in return.
I remain available for further dialogue and I trust that you will give this petition the urgent consideration it deserves.
Yours in the spirit of sportsmanship,
Signed:
Mazi Comrade Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, Retired active athlete Boxer, Ex International Boxer, Abia State Sports Ambassador (Boxing) and Professional Boxing Promoter
