Should Boxing Bring Back 15-Round Fights?

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has ruled out having 15-minute boxing rounds. 

His comments arrived after Teofimo Lopez expressed his desire to see that implemented for undisputed world title fights. The WBA President Gilberto Mendoza has said that the organization could pilot this, raising speculation that boxing could see its return, endorsing Lopez’s comments. 

“I don’t know, maybe it’s just something I’m curious about. When you’re fighting for undisputed status, how about making those fights 15 rounds? Let’s add three more rounds, and then we’ll find out who the real champion is. “I think it would be symbolic, because it truly shows the significance of what we’re fighting for. Plus, you’re not taking a 3 per cent sanctioning fee, right? No fee, so why not add three more rounds for undisputed fights?,” Lopez stated 

The WBC used to previously allow 15 rounds before they switched things up when Ray Mancini took on Kim Duk-koo in 1982. Kim unfortunately passed away. The boxer died from brain injuries after suffering extensive damage in the 14th round. Kim’s mother then took her life as she struggled to deal with the loss. Meanwhile, the referee from the fight, Richard Green, took his own life by shooting himself.

Fans also witnessed other brutal bouts, such as when Muhammad Ali took on Joe Frazier. Meanwhile, Sugar Ray Robinson vs Jake LaMotto was also another example of an intense battle. 43 years have passed since the introduction of 12 minute rounds. Sulaiman made it clear that things would remain this way, as he hit back at Lopez and Mendoza’s idea. 

WBC Responds

“There are people in this world who are desperate to get on the news and are willing to say the most unbelievable things. Changing from 15 to 12 rounds is one of the greatest rules ever, and it has saved many lives. It has changed the quality of life of all boxers competing at the championship level. Extensive and very expensive medical studies and science provided the key elements to make such a change.

“We live in a world in which society is thirsty for violence and blood. Slap competitions in which the athlete cannot defend himself, bare-knuckle boxing, and some other crazy combat sports have an audience. Boxing will not change just for the popularity of some, nor will it put our athletes at higher risk,” Sulaiman said 

This is not the only issue that has plagued the boxing industry. Amanda Serrano recently vacated her WBC Featherweight Belt after they refused to sanction her wish to fight under three-minute rounds. Serrano wanted parity with the men’s boxing rules, putting an end to the current two-minute rounds.

While fighters want to push themselves, it is vital that they are also protected to ensure that they act in their best interests. Ultimately, fans want to see a spectacle but also ensure that the fighters are not harmed. However, if boxing adopts more safety measures moving forward, then changes may be explored as boxers will be looking to push themselves to the limit.