Teddy Atlas Calls For Federal Boxing Commission After Multiple Officiating And Judging Issues
Teddy Atlas is planning to go in front of Congress to make a big change to the sport of boxing.
Currently, Atlas spoke on his podcast and called for the establishment of a federal boxing commission and posted an online petition form in its support. The plan is to present the petition and share his concerns with several elected officials to advance this issue before Congress.
“Recent nationally televised professional boxing events have shown a spotlight on unacceptable performances inside and around the ring by officials appointed to maintain the integrity and consumer confidence of the sport,” said Atlas (h/t BoxingScene). “While I recognize the human element is naturally fallible, I cannot, and I think many who love the sport of boxing agree, that this should be acceptable. The fighters who sacrifice so much in their training and risk their well-being inside the ring, deserve accountability and consequences for the actions, or inaction, by those responsible for the health and safety of the fighters.
“Officiating in boxing — from the commission to the referees, judges, inspectors, et al. — need to recognize this and step up. It’s time for the entire process to be overhauled and elevated to the same standard of major league sports,” Atlas added.
“There needs to be a centralized and standardized authority to supervise the sport of boxing, not unlike the way the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc. manage their affairs. In most cases, a position on a boxing commission is an act of political patronage,” Atlas continued. “Where is the experience and knowledge required to do the job properly? Where are the public hearings? Over 20 years ago, the late promoter Dan Goossen tried to establish an official’s school to train judges and referees, based on NFL protocols. That’s just one idea that I think should be seriously considered.”
Recently, there have been numerous bad ref stoppages and controversial judges’ scorecards which Teddy Atlas wants fixed. Whether or not this petition Atlas plans to create will do anything is uncertain, but he is one of the most respected and smartest names in boxing so perhaps something will change.
Do you think this petition by Teddy Atlas will do anything?
