Association of Boxing Commissions Task Force on Weight Loss Prior To Boxing Matches

In January of 2007, the Association of Boxing Commissions commissioned a Task Force to study the issue of weight loss prior to boxing matches held within the United States and Canada.

The Task Force, which was Chaired by Michael Mazzulli, Director of the Mohegan Tribal Department of Athletic Regulation was comprised of Commission Administrators, Commission Members, and American Association Professional Ringside Physicians Association.

The Task Force has convened several times to discuss weigh loss issues, review written testimony and review available medical information on weigh loss issues.

The Task Force has narrowed down the various requirements that it will ask its membership to adopt at its upcoming annual meeting. The Task Force has determined that one recommendation it will ask the ABC membership to adopt is the requirement of a “Specific Gravity” test prior to each bout.

This reusable inexpensive test will determine the amount of salt in body’s urine. The Task Force believes that this test is inexpensive and simple to administer and will be an acceptable measure if a boxing contestant is suffering from dehydration prior to a bout.

The ABC prides itself on the continued improvement of health and safety issues surrounding professional boxing. Presently the ABC is in the process of developing a control group to administer the test to determine the severity of the dehydration problems in boxing.

The Task Force has appointed four commissions to perform a test group with the results to be released at our annual meeting. The ABC also welcomes any further comments on weight loss issues. The Task Force will make its formal presentation at the annual meeting.

The ABC draws its membership from state and tribal boxing commissions from the United States and Canada. The ABC currently has 48 state member commissions, 12 tribal member commissions, 14 Canadian member commissions and 2 tribal associate members.

The ABC will hold its annual meeting July 25 – 28, 2007 at the Miccosukee Resort and Casino, in Miami, Florida. More information can be found at www.abcboxing.com