The Association of Boxing Comissions and Combative Sports (ABC) has
launched an “athlete’s voice committee” to give fighters a better
opportunity to connect with regulators.
According to a release, the committee will help fighters “who wish
to better understand vital issues such as how scoring works, appeal
rights, contractual literacy workshops, regulatory rights regarding
managers and any other educational opportunities that can advance
fighter interests in the sport.”
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“The ABC hopes this committee will allow all fighters to understand
the sport from a regulatory standpoint.” said ABC president Mike
Mazzulli. “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 committee will also allow fighters a voice
at the table.”
The committee will be chaired by New York State Athletic Commission
Executive Director Kim Sumbler and will also include six volunteer
members of the ABC: Erik Magraken of the ABC’s Rules and
Regulations Committee, referee Jack Reiss, Colorado Executive
Director Tony Cummings, Wyoming Executive Director Nick Meeker and
South Carolina Athletic Commission Administrator Jon
Hollingsworth.
“This is ground-breaking for the industry,” Sumbler said.
“Regulators and athletes working hand in hand for the betterment of
combat sports. A great opportunity for athletes to have a
meaningful and organized voice in their own sport.”
Thus far, UFC veteran Din Thomas and
and ex-UFC champ Carlos Newton
have been announced as two of the seven fighter respresentatives
for the committee.
“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 said.
Added Newton: “I’d rather fight for the future than relive the
past.”
According to a release, the group will work to bring the “most
pressing concerns fighters have” before the committeee, and the ABC
will provide a form on its website for other athletes who wish to
participate. The “fighter’s voice committee” is one of numerous
groups overseen by the ABC, including a medical committee, appeals
committee and officials committee.