Dear Warrior Women:
The ability to “go the distance” is based on professionalism and
hard work, not gender. Women are fully capable of competing in
the sport of boxing under standard regulations of 12x3 minute
rounds. Women run triathlons which makes 12x3 minute rounds seem
like a walk in the park.
In boxing gyms everywhere, there are
females with big dreams who train on the same 3 minute timers as
hard as or harder than any male there. Today’s policy imposed by
most state athletic commissions requires women to fight only 2
minute rounds up to 10 rounds total.
This policy is now
unnecessary and insulting. The regulations must be standardized
for all boxers on principle alone. Never mind that the fight for
equal money would be impossible if all boxers are not under the
same job description.
In Nevada, female boxers can now compete in 3 minute rounds up
to 12 rounds when both competitors agree to the terms thanks to
the vision of Keith Kizer (current Director of the Nevada State
Athletic Commission), and the Chairman of NSAC. I would like to
see this extend to all other states. This can only be
accomplished if female boxers continue to pressure their
commissions every time they fight to adopt this policy and only
accept opponents who are willing to step up.
The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) recommends
regulatory guidelines that state athletic commissions mostly
adopt as their own. I spoke to ABC president Tim Lueckenhoff
about changing the recommended guidelines that stated “Female
boxers should fight no more than 10x2 minute rounds” to match
the male boxers’ recommendation that “Male boxers should fight
no more than 12x3 minute rounds”. Mr. Lueckenhoff agreed that
this should be done and put the issue on the agenda for the
annual ABC convention where it was voted on and approved. Thank
you Mr. Tim Lueckenhoff and the ABC!
These changes in old-school perspective and the inclusion of
women boxing in the Olympics renew my belief that women can do
it all! We must never allow anyone to limit our potential and
must continue to carry the flame for future generations of
warrior women.
For dignity, equality, and respect please push for the standard
rules i.e. 3 minute rounds every time you fight!
Thank you.
Layla McCarter
