Create Your Own Sanctioning Body (Fantasy Game)

[Losfer_Words]

After another debate with another poster recently on the subject of whether or not the Ring title is the only genuine world title out there that anyone should care about (I believe it is and have never shirked my beliefs on this issue), what strikes me is many fans can still not agree which sanctioning body is indeed the best gauge of who actually is the genuine 'world champion' and also which one has the most integrity.

Now, we all have our gripes with the sanctioning bodies and I readily acknowledge that the big four and the Ring title have plusses, but, equally, I also accept that they each do have their own flaws. The question is simple:

If you could create your own sanctioning body, what system would you implement in order to rank fighters, determine world champions and also what would you do to uphold the integrity of the organsiation?

Would you do away with crap rankings, interim/ recess/ super special titles, et al? Would you introduce Olympic style testing? Would you market the organisation the same the the UFC has had great success with?

I have my own views on this issue, but I don't want to load the thread with my opinion as I am very keen to see what everyone thinks first. Thoughts, as always, are welcome:good.

[Flea Man]

One title belt (that's a given)

The title would be decided by taking the four title holders and having them fight a tournament to determine the champion.

In order to gain a title shot you must be the mando.

In order to be the mando, you must beat at least 3 of the top ten ranked fighter.

The champion can take one voluntary after he defends against a ranked contender. Champ must fight 3 times a year (barring injury) and will be stripped if he doesn't.

The body takes only administrative costs from the fighter; no stupid sanctioning fees or anything.

[Gaz S]

The body doesn't rank anybody in their top 15 who has been dead for more than a two year period.

[Beeston Brawler]

One title.

No ''inter-continental'' or ''WBO NABO'' BS titles.

National and regional (eg Euro) titles carry more say.

Mandatory defence against the #1 contender - if you refuse, stripped. If the mando refuses, he loses his ranking.

One voluntary allowed - must be against a fellow top 10.

Sanctioning body reserves right to order immediate rematch in event of genuine controversy.

Weight hopping is not permitted. In order to move up in weight you must vacate and beat top 10 fighters in the new division in order to obtain a title shot.

Olympic style drug testing for ALL bouts at or above domestic title level - procedures for four round scratchers tbc!

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The Ring title does have it's merits, but there is no mandatory contender, and a champ can basically fight domestic level fighters and still retain it. Plus, it's history is flawed - not every title was given to the linear claimant.

[Losfer_Words]

One title belt (that's a given)

The title would be decided by taking the four title holders and having them fight a tournament to determine the champion.

In order to gain a title shot you must be the mando.

In order to be the mando, you must beat at least 3 of the top ten ranked fighter.

The champion can take one voluntary after he defends against a ranked contender. Champ must fight 3 times a year (barring injury) and will be stripped if he doesn't.

The body takes only administrative costs from the fighter; no stupid sanctioning fees or anything.

One title.

No ''inter-continental'' or ''WBO NABO'' BS titles.

National and regional (eg Euro) titles carry more say.

Mandatory defence against the #1 contender - if you refuse, stripped. If the mando refuses, he loses his ranking.

One voluntary allowed - must be against a fellow top 10.

Sanctioning body reserves right to order immediate rematch in event of genuine controversy.

Weight hopping is not permitted. In order to move up in weight you must vacate and beat top 10 fighters in the new division in order to obtain a title shot.

Olympic style drug testing for ALL bouts at or above domestic title level - procedures for four round scratchers tbc!

------------------------------------------------

The Ring title does have it's merits, but there is no mandatory contender, and a champ can basically fight domestic level fighters and still retain it. Plus, it's history is flawed - not every title was given to the linear claimant.

Thanks for the points, fellas (nice that at least some of you gave opinions):good. Interesting that others feel the same way about 'contenders' being given easy paths to titles; I suppose it has a lot to do with this modern obsession of protecting the '0' and also promoters (not naming names) having sanctioning bodies in their pocket and also trying to dupe the public into thinking that their fighter is 'the' world champion. Also, I agree, Beeston- the joke baubles would go straight away if I could do anything about it in a fantasy world. I don't think the orgs realise that in giving out extra trinkets for more sanctioning fees, they actually delegitmise and sully their actual titles. Interesting point about voluntaries being ranked in the top ten and anything else would result in stripping as well.

I think if there was one organisation, it would be a hell of a lot easier marketing the sport as a whole, ala UFC. Hardcore fans, media outlets and casual fans will know that the world championship is at stake. I think this is where boxing is missing a trick with the UFC as well. Of course there are other MMA bodies, but the UFC is recognised as the best and gains the most coverage.

What annoys me most about sanctioning bodies is that they really aren't as relevant as people would have us believe. Look at JMM-Diaz last year. It was an awesome fight on it's own and then the WBA and WBO jumped on the bandwagon to market themselves as sponsoring world class fighters and also in order to bring some sort of extra special significance to the fight that really didn't need or deserved to be there. It's like 'this world champion is sponsored by this org, and that champ is sponsored by that org'. Utterly pathetic, IMO.

I often wonder how many multi-championship claims great contenders of yesteryear would have if they were able to take their pick of 4 'major' titles.

[GazOC]

There are several things I'd implement but most of them being enforcable depend on my sanctioning body having a monopoly.

ie. I'd like mandatories every 12/ 18 months but I'd be very loathe to strip champs because it loses the linearality (sp) of the title, which is a big deal for me. The only way that would realistically work would be if my title was the only one availiable.

[Beeston Brawler]

The only way multiple sanctioning bodies could possibly work is if a fighter had to align himself with a particular organisation - as in darts.

That sucks..... but boxing in that respect is far worse!

Yet I'm still watching.... it is a silly state of affairs when becoming world champion isn't the be all and end all in a sport really.

['Ben']

Screw the UFC way of doing things, the actual 'UFC' product is what sells and not the fighters themselves on the most part.

If I owned the WBC or another sanctioning body, I'd have it so the champion could only fight somebody in the top ten as a voluntary defence. If a unification is negotiated between the two fighters promoters then by policy, that is the ONLY way you can avoid your own mandatory challenger.

I would make close ties to the other sanctioning bodies aswell.

And to be contriversial.... a champion from a different weight has the right to face the champion from his own weight without fighting ANY other contenders if they choose. Especially at heavyweight!!
I give no sympathy for flabby heavyweight contenders who insult the rich heritage of the sport by coming to fight looking like Mr blobby. :fire



One more OBVIOUS thing I forgot..... 15 rounds!! 15 rounds!! 15 rounds!!

[Flea Man]

Screw the UFC way of doing things, the actual 'UFC' product is what sells and not the fighters themselves on the most part.

If I owned the WBC or another sanctioning body, I'd have it so the champion could only fight somebody in the top ten as a voluntary defence. If a unification is negotiated between the two fighters promoters then by policy, that is the ONLY way you can avoid your own mandatory challenger.

I would make close ties to the other sanctioning bodies aswell.

And to be contriversial.... a champion from a different weight has the right to face the champion from his own weight without fighting ANY other contenders if they choose. Especially at heavyweight!!
I give no sympathy for flabby heavyweight contenders who insult the rich heritage of the sport by coming to fight looking like Mr blobby. :fire

yeah, the way they make the best fight the best. Idiots eh:huh

[Robney]

The body doesn't rank anybody in their top 15 who has been dead for more than a two year period.

:lol:

Championship bouts would be back to 15 rounds.
Judges who screw up 2 bouts will be suspended, and after another screwup forever blacklisted from my sanctionbody.
CHallengers who pull a Johnson, can't get a top 10 rating for at least 2 years.

['Ben']

yeah, the way they make the best fight the best. Idiots eh:huh


Nah, I mean the way they constantly use they're brand in the way (if you can imagine) for instance all WBO ranked fighters are signed to the WBO brand and any fighter within it fights in arenas with headlined name of WBO Boxing or something? rather than the two main event fighters headlining themselves. If it was like that how would anyone ranked in the WBO fight somebody from the IBF,WBA or WBC?

This is what happens in MMA. The best UFC fighters don't get to face the best fighters in other MMA organizations.... some are more credible than others but it simply isn't possible for the best to fight the best.

[Flea Man]

Nah, I mean the way they constantly use they're brand in the way (if you can imagine) for instance all WBO ranked fighters are signed to the WBO brand and any fighter within it fights in arenas with headlined name of WBO Boxing or something? rather than the two main event fighters headlining. If it was like that how would anyone ranked in the WBO fight somebody from the IBF,WBA or WBC?

This is what happens in MMA. The best UFC fighters don't get to face the best fighters in other MMA organizations.... some are more credible than others but it simply isn't possible for the best to foght the best.

True, like Fedor. I get what you're saying:good

['Ben']

Championship bouts would be back to 15 rounds.


Fuck yeah! I forgot about getting back 15 rounders.... how could I forget? :patsch

['Ben']

True, like Fedor. I get what you're saying:good


No worries.

[Mr Butt]

i like fleaman's and the beeston brawler's rule post's the only thing i would add would be that tittle fights are over 15 rounds

['Ben']

i like fleaman's and the beeston brawler's rule post's the only thing i would add would be that tittle fights are over 15 rounds


I'm sorry mine didn't please you.

[Losfer_Words]

As no-one else has mentioned it, I will: Judges and refs would become full-time professionals held accountable for poor decisions and scorecards. I would wipe the slate clean, do away with the corrupt officials that are currently ruining boxing and start afresh. You would have to work your way up to international standard by having a good amateur and low-level professional officiating career. Those with experience officiating other sports at a high level would also be welcome to officiate for the organisation after prooving their credentials in boxing.

I would also give the green light for television replays but behind closed doors so the TV ref isn't influenced:good. All water used in corners would be issued by the organisation and all wraps and gloves will be checked prior to and post-fight. Leaving it to the athletic commision in that country or state is unacceptable, IMO.

['Ben']

As no-one else has mentioned it, I will: Judges and refs would become full-time professionals held accountable for poor decisions and scorecards. I would wipe the slate clean, do away with the corrupt officials that are currently ruining boxing and start afresh. You would have to work your way up to international standard by having a good amateur and low-level professional officiating career. Those with experience officiating other sports at a high level would also be welcome to officiate for the organisation after prooving their credentials in boxing.

I would also give the green light for television replays but behind closed doors so the TV ref isn't influenced:good.


Yeah, good call Losfer. I'm guessing Dave Paris and Terry O'Conor are history under your sanctioning rules then?

[Beeston Brawler]

I'm not so sure about going back to 15 rounds.

Imagine watching another 3 rounds of Haye vs Valuev or Wlad vs Ibragimov..... or Mayweather vs DLH?

[ishy]

There are several things I'd implement but most of them being enforcable depend on my sanctioning body having a monopoly.

ie. I'd like mandatories every 12/ 18 months but I'd be very loathe to strip champs because it loses the linearality (sp) of the title, which is a big deal for me. The only way that would realistically work would be if my title was the only one availiable.

That's not even a word!! :lol::lol:

Good ideas though :good

If I had a sanctioning body I would first wipe out all the others ones (somehow) and make sure I'm the governing body for the sport. Then I'd do my own shit.

One title per division - none of that interim bullshit. If a champion is injured and can't defend he can relinquish his title and be guaranteed a title shot on his comeback.

Make judges and referees much more accountable. 3 strikes and they're out policy.

Rankings committee to be made of boxing writers (proper ones, not internet wannabe journos) and experts from around the world.

Champion has to face no.1 contender AT LEAST once every 15 months.

Pension thingy/ benevolent fund in place

All medical expenses covered by org, regular medical check ups - BBBofC standard as that's one thing they really are good at.

I'll add more when I think of them :good

[Mr Butt]

As no-one else has mentioned it, I will: Judges and refs would become full-time professionals held accountable for poor decisions and scorecards. I would wipe the slate clean, do away with the corrupt officials that are currently ruining boxing and start afresh. You would have to work your way up to international standard by having a good amateur and low-level professional officiating career. Those with experience officiating other sports at a high level would also be welcome to officiate for the organisation after prooving their credentials in boxing.

I would also give the green light for television replays but behind closed doors so the TV ref isn't influenced:good. All water used in corners would be issued by the organisation and all wraps and gloves will be checked prior to and post-fight. Leaving it to the athletic commision in that country or state is unacceptable, IMO.

who would pick up the bill for full-time officials ,they would have to be paid for by the organazation sanctioning the fight so you would have increase santioning fees. could you imagine the argruments if the promoter paid them and his fighter won a close decision

[Flea Man]

15 rounds is essential. Seperate the men from the boys.

8oz gloves in all title fights.

[Mr Butt]

I'm sorry mine didn't please you.

you are such a little monkey i just cant take you seriously

['Ben']

I have another thing!!
I'd get rid of 10oz gloves for any fighter under heavyweight and also allow the old fashioned 6oz gloves back, mainly for the smaller weight divisions.... then maybe Ian Napa might finally score a knockout!!

[Mr Butt]

15 rounds is essential. Seperate the men from the boys.

8oz gloves in all title fights.


good call on the gloves

[ishy]

I'd also do something about weight classes.

Deffo move CW back to 190 - add more depth to HW.

['Ben']

you are such a little monkey i just cant take you seriously


At least I'm not named after the anus. :yep

['Ben']

Bollocks.

[Beeston Brawler]

Yeah a pension fund is a really good idea.

Deducting 1% of a fighter's purse wouldn't cost the fighters hardly anything once you factor in PAYE & NI..... the board could match that through income from sponsorship deals or by taking a share of each promotion - say 10%.

That way if a fighter falls on hard times he can have something to draw from - but you have to draw a line with guys that get themselves banged up or squander absolute fortunes - like if Ricky Hatton turned up penniless :lol:

Plus I'd throw out journeymen that don't come to win - if they come and have a go then that's great, but turning up and running for four rounds doesn't do the sport any favours.

[Mr Butt]

At least I'm not named after the anus. :yep


well seeing as i dont drink wine :think. could it be that a butt is also a strike with the head

[Beeston Brawler]

Get rid of light fly and super fly divisions.

['Ben']

could it be that a butt is also a strike with the head


No. :D

[Mr Butt]

No. :D

ok then the wine option:D

[Losfer_Words]

Yeah, good call Losfer. I'm guessing Dave Paris and Terry O'Conor are history under your sanctioning rules then?

:yep As I said, they have to be made accountable. If a ref fucks up in the Prem, he is sent to the lower divisions. It should be the same in boxing.

who would pick up the bill for full-time officials ,they would have to be paid for by the organazation sanctioning the fight so you would have increase santioning fees. could you imagine the argruments if the promoter paid them and his fighter won a close decision

Nope. As I alluded to before, I'd market the whole organisation better, in this fantasy world at least, and that would save sanctioning fees increasing.

I'd try and make as much money off of merchandise as I could; again look at the UFC- how many UFC hoodies and tshirts do you see out and about? I never see any boxing hoodies as people would wonder which organisation to buy a tshirt off of!:lol:

That's not even a word!! :lol::lol:

Good ideas though :good

If I had a sanctioning body I would first wipe out all the others ones (somehow) and make sure I'm the governing body for the sport. Then I'd do my own shit.

One title per division - none of that interim bullshit. If a champion is injured and can't defend he can relinquish his title and be guaranteed a title shot on his comeback.

Make judges and referees much more accountable. 3 strikes and they're out policy.

Rankings committee to be made of boxing writers (proper ones, not internet wannabe journos) and experts from around the world.

Champion has to face no.1 contender AT LEAST once every 15 months.

Pension thingy/ benevolent fund in place

All medical expenses covered by org, regular medical check ups - BBBofC standard as that's one thing they really are good at.

I'll add more when I think of them :good

Fantastic idea:good. Like 1% of every fight sanctioned goes to the 'Boxers Fund' or something to help those who have suffered injuries in the ring or to help the families of any fighters who have been injured beyond being able to work or, in the worst case scenario, for boxers who have died inside the ropes.

[GazOC]

That's not even a word!! :lol::lol:



linearity definition:

lin·ear·ity (lin′ē ar′ə tē)
noun pl. linearities -·ties

the quality or state of being linear

[Flea Man]

Back to the 8 divs (Fly, Bantam, Feather, Light, Welter, Middle, Light Heavy. Heavy) and reintroduce weighing in on the day of the fight.

Only way to get boxing back to its best :deal

[ishy]

linearity definition:

lin·ear·ity (lin′ē ar′ə tē)
noun pl. linearities -·ties

the quality or state of being linear

:oops::good

[HeavyT]

Get rid of light fly and super fly divisions.
Totally, absolutely no need for them. :-(

[GPater11093]

Well, I often think of this myself, I have a pretty good plan or so I think in my head.

First off this Governing Body would look to favour the fighter, partly to get support, but mostly the fighters is who fights for the Title they deserve a better deal.

There would be 1 Title in all the weights currently used. I would not have an European title as the EBU is in Europe and Britian has the Lonsdale belt etc.. I respect their history and they need to be standalone IMO.

The rankings would be compiled by a ranking committe, basically 10 guys who meet once a week and are locked in a room to compile divisional rankings.

As of now, I would award the World Title to the Linear champion and in such cases where a linear champion is not apparent I would wait until a number 1 ranked fighter has beat a number 2 ranked fighter.

A champion would have to fight 3 times a year (unless due to injury), in this time he has to only make 1 mandotary defence, the other 2 are voluntary but the opponents have to be ranked in the top 15.

However, the main aim of the Body is to provide a International body. We would work with National Authorities in devising rules and regulations. Also we would help with ground roots promotions, and every fighter would be given health insurance from the body and a pension plan, aswell as the availability of advice and training (either in boxing or for a job outside of boxing)

Therewould be alot of interaction with fans to see changes they want, aswell as with boxers, promoters, managers etc...

Also the most important change IMO would be to bring back 15 rounders and same day weigh ins. I would also introduce check weigh ins where a fighter would have to weigh in every week leading up to a contest (in cases of domestic fighters and journymen they would have to weigh in every 2-3 weeks if they want to continue fighting) Also there would be yearly medicals for all boxers.

Judges and officials would also have retirement plans (and retiring boxers would have the chance to train in this profession). Officials would be paid by the commision and after every fight would be qaulity controlled by a Senior member of the commision. If any wrong doing or poor judging/officiating is discovered the judge recieves a warning, after 3 warnings a hearing is held with a chance for the judge to explain his actions.

Bit of a dream, but honestly if I had the money I would give it a shot.

[Flea Man]

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