Live stream of 2017 ABC convention Final Day
Joe ‘The Artist’ Leonard with the support of ABC president Mike Mazzulli has organized a live stream of the presentations and discussions at the event.
The 2017 Association of Boxing Commissions Convention is underway. Western Mass MMA co-founder and amateur MMA fighter Joe ‘The Artist’ Leonard has selflessly organized a live stream of the presentations and discussions at the event.
Vote on ABC new Rules recommendations.
Policy changes to be voted on:
•Time at which fight goes to the card was tabled due to feedback from membership and industry stakeholders. Could be revisited in future. Three policies remain;
•Loss of Bodily Function Guidelines;
•Instant Replay Guidelines;
•Guidelines for Wraps (upperbody and lowerbody).
By voice vote the three remaining policy procedures were universally adopted.
Vote on adoption of new weight classes for MMA.
Current ABC weight classes recognized by Unified Rules.
105 (female only)
115
125
135
145
155
170
185
205
265
266+
The question before the convention is, will 165, 175, 195, 225 be added to the Unified Rules? Note, no promotion needs to use the new weight divisions.
During the debate phase, there were concerns expressed about the need for further discussion about the addition of new weight classes. Several notable experts including CABMMA director Cristiano Sampaio, CSAC XO Andy Foster, author/regulator/commentator/everythinger/expert Sean Wheelock, and referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy among others emphatically spoke in favor of it, and appeared to win the day.
DC Commissioner Skip Brown asked for received from the committee assurance that during the next year they would address the issue of weight spreads.
After discussion, it was decided via ballot vote and passed via a Unanimous Vote.
While the ballots were tallied, further items were brought to voice vote.
To Allow USADA to Provide Suspensions to MMA Registry. A Voting Member of the ABC will do the presenting of the information to the UFC; USADA will add nothing directly. The suspension will be for informational purposes.
Via Voice Vote the ayes carried unanimously.
ABC Unified Rules for Kickboxing. Structured after the Unified Rules of boxing and of MMA. Does not dictate to the kickboxing industry. Rather it reflects the existing promotions and sanctioning bodies, who have supported the Unified KB Rules.
Alabama has already implemented the rules and spoke strongly in favor.
There will be an amendment around the difference between clinching and holding.
Via Voice Vote the ayes carried unanimously.
USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee spoke compellingly about increasing fraternal ties between the group and the ABC.
AGENDA Wednesday, July 26, 2017
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Professional Boxing Record Keeper Update & Adjustments, Marina Sheppard, Ani Miramontes
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM How the Legalization of Marijuana is Affecting Combative Sports
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM Pitfalls of Fighter Management & suggested contractual requirements: Juanito Ibbara, Randy Couture
9:45 AM – 10:10 AM Vendor Introductions
10:10 AM – 10:25 AM Break
10:25 AM – 11:00 AM Member Voting on Remaining Issues
11:00 AM – 11:15AM Bylaw Update Vote
11:15 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM AIBA/WSB/USA Boxing & Challenges
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM How Commissions Make a Difference: Showalter, Kiser
2:00PM – 2:20PM Medical -Understanding Nutritional Supplements: M. St. Louis
2:20 PM BREAK
2:20PM – 2:30 PM Site Selection for 2018 Presentation, Robertson
2:30PM – 3:00PM Plans for 2019 Officers & Transfer of Information: Walsh
3:00PM – 6:00PM Break
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Reception-Red Square Tickets Salon A3
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Annual Banquet Salon A2
Keynote Speaker: Kathy Duva