Are weight divisions a failed experiment?

That's the problem right there.

 

Not at all.

I've said I don't think eliminating weight divisions is, on balance, a good thing for boxing and that I don't think reducing weight divisions will reduce deaths in boxing.

I've then asked you what change(s) you suggest to weight divisions that would improve the balance between the profile and safety of the sport. You've not answered that question.

No problem if you don't see the point in continuing the discussion, but, and I don't mean to be rude either, you're yet to come up with a single suggestion for me to dismiss or otherwise.

 

Go back to the original eight.

 

No problem.

You have some interesting suggestions.

Personally, I think a measure that would improve safety without detracting from the entertainment and appeal of boxing, would be tighter measures on the amount fighters dehydrate to make weight and rehydrate by fight time. A series of unannounced check weigh ins with maximum limits, in the month prior to the fight (as scheduled check ins just have scope for boxers dehydrating to make weight multiple times), perhaps, something like that.

 

You do make an interesting point. The little guys could easily go 4 minute rounds. Although if you do that and reduce the time between rounds, then they just slow down and they lose the thing that makes them fun -- their high energy and activity levels. Them fighting the same rounds with the same rests as the big guys is why they can do more.

So, I say a big no to your idea. I think a real solution may be mandatory careful testing for early signs of CTE. Now I'm not into a nanny state, so if a man can understand his condition and decide "don't care", let the man fight. Perfectly legal for the very same man to drink himself to death or give himself a heart attack from living on fast food, seems silly to tell him he can't take athletic risks. But at requiring them to understand where they currently stand healthwise may do something. (hell, want to be real serious about it? mandatory disclosure of those test result to their spouses)