By World Boxing Council
The World Boxing Council completed the second day of its 54th annual convention today at the Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.
A “trainers’ roundtable” coordinated by WBC Technical Director Bob Yalen of the U.S. and hosted by former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi brought together renowned trainers Joe Gallagher of England and Stacy McKinley, Abel Sanchez, and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad of the U.S.
It was a very interesting discussion of the issues that a boxing coach confronts, and included insights about hand wraps, sparring, conditioning, hydration, the right time for a cornerman to stop a fight, and a code of ethics.
A recurring theme in all of the topics was that a coach needs to know his fighter’s individual temperament and capabilities.
President Sulaiman also asked for opinions on the WBC rule that does not allow a fighter’s father to be the chief second in his corner during a fight and said, “The father is more aggressive towards his son, and lets the fight on too long. That’s what history shows.”
Abel Sanchez said that he refuses to train a fighter whose father is involved in his training, although he allows the father to be the second or third assistant in the corner, and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad agreed.
A renewal of the WBC’s rule was called for by President Sulaiman, and the motion was made, seconded, and passed by the Board of Governors.
