Robert Lenhardt gave a report on the efforts which have gone into the WBC Grand Prix- from logistics, to medical support, modified scoring techniques and more. Hundreds if not thousands of hands were involved in the successful endeavor.
This segued into a report by Barry Lindenman in the WBC ‘s “ESP” or Enhanced Scoring Program. The program very statistic-based and allows for no draws, as each participant must advance in the tournament format.
A short video report was presented depicting the year of 2025 in boxing in Africa. WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, a native South African, defended his title successfully. Amateur tournaments were held on the continent. Former champion Amir Khan promoted shows in Ghana and Nigeria as well. The WBC donated a ring to Malawi, which was very much needed.
WBC medical board chair Dr. Paul Wallace delivered a wide ranging report. Wallace also praised the efforts of Dr. Neil Scott for his work on the WBC Grand Prix thus far.
The never ending topic of of cutting weight among boxers was discussed, both safely and unsafely, by Dr. Luca Pacciolla of Italy.
Boxers fighting at weights lower than their body structure should allow provides possible advantages for that fighter, if they rehydrate in time for their fight against the naturally smaller fighter.
This topic led to the discussion of forming a trainers committee, to look at proper weight loss techniques, among other things.
A trailer was shown for the film “The Cut,” starring Orlando Bloom. The backdrop focuses on weight cutting for a fighter and the lengths that are undergone to do such.
Dr. Ricardo Monreal discussed the WBC’s safe boxing protocols: blood work, MRIs, physical exams, pregnancy tests for female fighters, MRA (Angiogram for the brain), EKG for fighters over 35, WBCs Clean Boxing Program and more.
The WBC is looking into imposing fines for boxers who are engaging in WBC sanctioned fights but who are noncompliant with the safety protocols.
Sparring was looked at. Sparring is done for technical improvement and conditioning. There have however, been injuries and even fatalities related to sparring. The number of rounds sparred was looked at. There are also many instances of female fighters sparring with male boxers, which lends itself to theories of increased injury likelihood.
Dr. Lewis Silverman spoke on CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) suffered by boxers. One boxer with whom Dr. Silverman is working, has reported improvement in mood and overall quality of life, etc.
Dr. Wallace also addressed mismatch prevention, hand wrapping & glove parameters, PEDs and more. Many of these situations rely on promoter and trainer integrity, in Wallace’s opinion.
Former referee Frank Garza discussed an initiative that is underway and soon to be brought to the desk of U.S. President Trump, to offer pardon and remission of former heavyweight champion Joe Louis from ages old IRS tax debt.
Asian delegations from China and South Korea were honored with plaques for their efforts to raise the level of boxing in their countries.
Jesus Martinez has conceptualized a boxing/academic institution for school-aged children in Reynoso, Mexico, with dreams of expansion throughout the country and eventually the world. Academic success would yield the opportunity for children to practice boxing and then even compete, which also would provide opportunities for positive after school activity.
