Ringside Physicians Versus 8 Oz Gloves in Mayweather-McGregor

The Aug 26 Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor boxing match pits the best boxer of this and arguably other generations against a mixed martial artist who has not one professional boxing match under his belt.

Accordingly, organizers and participants, at times, have taken pains to label the match an “event.” This labeling is an attempt at properly designating the faceoff, and shooting down critiques from those opining that the fight doesn’t meet standards one would assume might apply to a contest involving the best boxer on the planet, albeit one at an age, 40, which has left him less a wizard of the ring than a year 2005 or 2010 version.

There is no shortage of folks insisting that this “event” is but a farce designed solely to generate revenue and satisfy the appetites of a consumer base eager to latch on to the sideshow aura of the collusion of sports. Included in that camp is the Association of Ringside Physicians.

The ARP has sent an official letter…

..to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, taking issue with the possibility that in place regulations for gloves to be worn by Mayweather and McGregor might be waved. It is up for consideration that eight ounce gloves, as opposed to the customary ten ounce gloves, could be used by the principals in the main event at T-Mobile Arena on Aug 26.

I reached out to Bob Bennett, the executive director of the commission and asked if the gloves issue is up for debate or has been decided. “No, it will be decided tomorrow at the Commission meeting commencing at 9:00 A.M. (Vegas time),” Bennett said.

My take: I think the end result would be the same, that even at 40 Mayweather is in another skill hemisphere as McGregor. But these physicians should be listened to, their expertise and mission has to be respected.