What's your opinion of fighters who fight below their natural weight class?

No, that wouldn't do it. There's a reason they went to this manner of the day before weigh in. Too much head trauma on the dehydrated brain. Simply going back isn't the fix.

The FIX is....find a way to control what fighters weigh between fights. Periodical weight checks is the key.

 

i think they are on to something with 30 day weigh ins and overnight weight gain limits like the IBF was doing

 

I was of the impression that the straw that broke the camels back was when Eddie Mustafa Muhammad was having so much trouble making weight for his title fight with Michael Spinks. It had less to do with fighter safety and more to do with losing revenue.

 

personally i dont really care either way

its part of the nature of the sport

fighters have always cut weight just the nature of weight cutting has changed

if both guys are afforded the same conditions and rules to go by then its up to the camps to decide how to go about their business

 

just gonna disagree on this

 

That is a good move from the IBF to limit weight gained for title fights. The other ABC's need to follow suit.

 

The problem is, guys are cutting insane amounts of weight and putting it back on in very short periods of time. I don't know if you have seen it up close but it is crazy.

The solution is to fight at a weight that works for you. If entering the ring at 175 is optimal for you, fight at 175, not 160. Eat healthy, stay in shape between fights, manage your weight. You know, like any professional in any field would do.
I have a theory that the biggest thing most S&C guys bring to the table is to help a guy cut and regain weight; it certainly is an art.

 

What is my opinion? Simple:

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Someone like Hopkins who stays disciplined and lean. That's how it should be. His fight night weights were barely above the limit.
The guys spitting to cut weight then showing up fight night 20lbs over the limit are dangerous.

Easy solution is go back to same day weigh-ins.

 

It really is that easy. If fighters still wanna kill themselves dehydrating and rehydrating in a much smaller window with increased health risk then that’s on them. They’re professionals who get paid very handsomely. They don’t need babysitting. All they need to do is stay in decent shape and take their career seriously.

If they’re not constantly going to the extremes needed to cut and regain 20+ pounds every fight they wouldn’t get used to feeding the insatiable appetite that comes afterward. That life style just contributes to a lack of self control. It becomes a cycle.