It is that time of year again and here is Day 2 of the ABC conference. If you aren't familiar with this event this is when all the top refs, doctors and people involved in mixed martial arts get together and discuss important topics and all learn to help improve the sport as a whole. Special shoutout to my good friend, Joe Leonard for filming this for us all to watch and learn with them.
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WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman gives a brief overview of the enhancements made to the weight management program since the 2018 ABCCS Conference.
CSAC Exec Dir / ABCCS Medical Cmte, Chair Andy Foster gives brief presentation on the CSAC’s pilot program for handling the issues of weight cutting and dehydration prevalent in both the boxing and mma industries. Andy and his team are considered the tip of the spear in this area of health and wellness oversight.
Previously tabled discussion regarding the ABCCS’s Rules and Regs Cmte proposed language changes in judging “10-8” rounds in an MMA contest.
In this video the 3rd revision and newest version of the “Downed Fighter” as it applies to MMA is once more demonstrated to the body along with guidance for implementation
Atty Pat English is one of my favorite presenters each year. His knowledge of law and his passion for Boxing allow him to offer the most thought provoking lectures. At this conference he pays homage to the late Sen. McCain. He then educates the body on many of the oft misunderstood and rarely read passages found in the paragraphs that make up the Muhammad Ali Act. Atty English uses the remainder of his time to outline significant aspects of the National Suspension List ahead of ABCCS President Michael Mazzulli’s proposal to change language found on the National ID Application Form that is currently used for Professional Boxers and Mixed Martial Artists. ABCCS Secretary Joe Walsh opens the floor to debate followed by the vote to adopt the proposed changes.
A panel of some of today’s most knowledgeable combat sports referees, judges, and ringside physicians offer insight into the muddy waters of ethical behavior. Panelists outline common unethical practices plaguing the industry, offer opinions based on first hand experiences, and answer questions from the audience. ABCCS President presents a brief PowerPoint that further illustrates the need for hiring officials that adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
On the second day of the conference the body took up the previous days discussion concerning a change to the “Downed Fighter” definition. The topic finally comes to a close as the Rules and Regs Cmte gives one last presentation before a formal vote to adopt the revised language in an effort to compromise with several commissions who’ve held out on adopting a package of rules changes presented and adopted by majority vote in 2016 The body is giving these commissions (many of whom have refused to participate in the conference since Michael Mazzulli became the ABCCS President) until July of 2020 to adopt the current ruleset and unite for the benefit and safety of the fighters.
Former Olympian / UFC Hall Of Famer / Professional Wrestler / Actor Dan “The Beast” Severn provides the body with wonderful insightful and light hearted stories about his storied careers as a fighter and a wrestler. Fans ad attendees alike found this to be one of the highlights of the 2019 conference.
Day 1 comes to a close with Frank Gentile reintroducing the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Athletic Commission to the body. Shirley Stunzi and Andy Foster recommend two new candidates for associate memberships. Joe Walsh tallies the votes. Central Alberta Combative Sports Commissioner Rick Hillman and Shanghai Boxing Federation Council Member Zi express their appreciation for the opportunity to join the ABCCS.
ISKA President Corey Schafer delivers a proposed Amateur Kickboxing ruleset to the ABCCS body for consideration before a vote to adopt is taken.
Nominees informally announce their intentions to run for seats on the BOD.
ABCCS BOD appoints Lydia Robertson to the position of paid tax preparer and conference organizer
Retired Fighter Charity Committee Chair, John English, gives the body an update on gifts given since the 2018 conference. UFC Cutman Scotty Rehm shares with the body details of the Empire Pro Tape / Retired Fighter Charity collaboration.
In the second MMA Rules and Regs presentation of the day the committee brings three non-binding recommendations to the body for a vote. These are additions of language to already existing rules governing “10-8” rounds, the use of video monitors for judges, and allowing fouled fighters to receive 30 seconds of medical treatment once in a round in which the foul occurs. Speakers include Sean Wheelock, John McCarthy, Jerin Valel, Sal D’Amato, Marc Ratner, Corey Schafer, Frank Gentile, Kim Sumbler, Andy Foster, Greg Sirb, and others
ABCCS President Michael Mazzulli opens the discussion on a controversial “Grounded Fighter Definition” refinement proposed by the MMA Rules and Regs Committee. The body is given an opportunity to voice concerns, give statements, and ask questions on the topic. Notable speakers are Sean Wheelock, John McCarthy, Andy Foster, Greg Sirb, Kim Sumbler, Brian Dunn, Kevin MacDonald, Corey Schafer, and others as recognized by ABCCS Secretary Joe Walsh.
ABCCS President Michael Mazzulli opens the 2019 conference with guests Francisco Meneses Jr - Exec. Dir. AZ Boxing and MMA Comm. & AZ State Rep Jeff Weninger
Day 1 Rules and Regulations Discussion
Chair, Sean Wheelock and committee member John McCarthy speak to the body regarding 2016 Grounded Fighter Definition and Policy Change
ABCCS Secretary Joe Walsh takes a vote and Treasurer Lydia Robertson reports to the body the current state of the finances.
ABCCS President Michael Mazzulli and BoxRec Owners John and Dr. Marina Sheppard recognize members of the ABCCS in a short awards ceremony
CSAC Exec. Dir. Andy Foster speaks on the topic of drug testing.
Dr. Goodman provides insight into the resources available to all Combat Sports Regulating Bodies the world over.
John English, Chair of the ABCCS Retired Fighter Charity Committee presents the committee’s proposed bylaw changes to the body. ABCCS President Michael Mazzulli also submits a proposal to the body regarding membership dues.
Joe Leonard is live in Florida covering the live streams of the ABC Conference for everyone to watch from around the world. Day 1 was yesterday on 7/30 and day 2 is now below which is happening live right now. Tomorrow I will add in day 3 of the stream here so make sure to share this around with your friends.
Under President Michael Mazzulli's first year at the head of the organization the executive board paid tremendous attention to the mixed martial artists at this year's conference. Thankfully it was met with support from nearly all members of the ABC body, ring officials, ringside physicians, attorneys, vendors, fighters, and fans. I was fortunate to have been a guest and the first media persons to be invited to stream the event live to the public. I sat at the back of the room for three days and listened with interest as the presentations where given to a room full of men and women tasked with keeping combatants safe and the competitions fair. Months ago when Ref. Kevin MacDonald gave me the heads up about the conference I got started researching the topics and the presenters. I grew excited when I read names like Jeff Novitzski, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Atty. Erik Magraken, and John McCarthy would be at the podium dispensing invaluable information on all things MMA. Very few of the presentations failed to meet my expectations and I felt that the assembled were also satisfied that their time had been well spent. I've broken down each day's presentations individually and put together a playlist of the items I feel are very important for amateur and professional mixed martial artists, their trainers, the promoters, and our athletic commissions. Please take your time and watch these videos when you can. There are several hours worth in just this one play list. Each day, of which there were three, ranged from 6hrs to 8hrs. The presentations included information on matchmaking for boxing, medical advisories for officials, best practices for judging, litigation concerns, and so much more. Enjoy and be sure to share this information. It's from the source so you can trust that it's accurate. As always I welcome any discussions you might like to have here on the site or in person at the fights. Be safe and train hard. Your life depends on it...
The annual conference of the Association of Boxing Commissions is fast approaching. This year it's going to be on the Vegas Strip. I've never been and I am pretty excited. I've reviewed the agenda and I think we are in for some great changes to our sport as a whole thanks in large part to the efforts of the ABC's newly elected Executive board where one of my long time acquaintances, Mike Mazzulli, presides over the organization. Mazzulli is joined by other determined commissioners from across the country who share his passion for combat sports and finding the right balance between entertaining events and fighter safety. Their focus is clearly on fighter Safety though as we can see by the shear number of agenda items related to medical topics and rules evaluation. In the area where fighter safety overlaps events perceived entertainment value there will be presentations on keeping the playing field as level as possible with increasing knowledge on PED use and Dehydration risks. As if that weren't enough to greatly impact the fight scene we move through today there will be legal experts speaking to the membership about what types of litigation might arise from the increase in regulation of those same issues and other issues that have cropped up in the last decade as a result of widespread adoption of regulations on a state to state level.
