WBC’s Concerns Over Bare-Knuckle Fighting
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has expressed significant apprehension regarding the increasing prevalence of bare-knuckle fighting and other unregulated combat sports, especially involving former professional boxers. Notably, fighters like Paulie Malignaggi and Alfredo Angulo have engaged in these bare-knuckle matches after their retirement from boxing, prompting the WBC to highlight the potential dangers this trend poses to the health of aging athletes who are no longer under the protections of regulated boxing organizations.
Call for Regulatory Measures
President Mauricio Sulaiman emphasized the need for urgent regulatory measures in response to this concerning trend. He stated,
“We urge individuals to report these hazardous practices, and we intend to collaborate with boxing commissions in Mexico to implement regulations for these events.”
Sulaiman further voiced alarm over the current landscape, insisting there should be established guidelines and medical protocols to ensure the fighters’ safety, as their well-being is paramount.
Health Risks and Rising Popularity
This warning was issued following a troubling appeal from Fernando Garza, a fighter associated with the notorious Clandestino fight league, who sought medical assistance due to severe health declines attributed to the rigors of unregulated fighting. The WBC also pointed to the rising popularity of various unregulated combat formats, including slap contests and vale tudo, which typically lack oversight and necessary post-fight medical examinations.
Notable Fighters in Bare-Knuckle Matches
Malignaggi, a two-weight world champion and analyst for Showtime, had previously participated in a widely noted bare-knuckle fight against Artem Lobov in 2019 and is scheduled to return to the ring later this year to battle Tyler Goodjohn. Similarly, Angulo, known for his tough fights in the junior middleweight and middleweight classes, has recently been active in bare-knuckle venues. Austin Trout’s situation differs as he stands out as the current Bare Knuckle welterweight champion, having successfully defended his title twice.
Commitment to Fighter Safety
The WBC has long warned of the severe risks posed to boxers competing without gloves, and this latest position reinforces existing concerns about the potential long-term damage to former fighters drawn into these high-risk formats. Sulaiman confirmed that the WBC plans to initiate collaborations with regional bodies to oversee and potentially regulate such contests throughout Mexico and beyond, emphasizing their commitment to the protection of fighters now and in the future, especially post-retirement.
