Boxing chiefs advise change

Paul Ingle's collapse was the catalyst to change

British boxing chiefs have set out a two-pronged system to enforce a stricter monitoring of fighters' preparation before bouts.

The amendments of regulations have been formulated by the Board of Control stewards following the injury sustained by Paul Ingle in his IBF featherweight title defence against South Africa's Mbulelo Botile in Sheffield on 16 December.

In all they cover seven main areas designed to counter dehydration, with another catering for a further review of the safety points.

The revised framework, formed during a detailed analysis of Ingle's contest, will be put before the Board's forthcoming annual general meeting "with a view to their being passed with immediate effect".

Board recommendations

For championship fights

• Initial and secondary weight checks

For boxers

• Training diaries

• Random weight checks

• Late arrival for official weigh-in will constitute a breach of the regualtaions

• Compulsory courses for trainers and seconds with particular respect to weight reduction, diet and nutrition

• The investigation of an amendment to permit the taking of isotonic drinks between rounds to combat dehydration

Board secretary Simon Block described the proposals as "far-reaching".

"The stewards believe that they will have a dramatic effect on the approach of many boxers, and their trainers, to preparation for contests and in particular championship bouts."

Ingle's manager Frank Maloney has already set up his own training diary operation with his stable of fighters and he is "pleased" the board are moving to implement change.

"Now it's up to the trainers and boxers to make sure they are put into place and they stick to the rules.

"I tell my fighters to keep the diaries but I do ask to look at them on a regular basis," Maloney said.

The measures, which demand a monitored build-up, look certain to have an impact on boxing as a television sport.

Television often demands short notice replacements for title fights so as to ensure the purse of the broadcaster and promoter are filled.

However in the case of late injuries or illness suffered by a champion or challenger, future title bouts will have to be scrapped as the scheme effectively takes away the promoters' ability to make last-minute changes.