Amateur boxing suspended indefinitely in California.

[GRkiller]

I The easy solution is just to not let people compete at the private clubs if they are under 18. Problem solved. Suspending amateur boxing in California for this is like trying to pop a zit with a hand grenade.

The gentleman who died had NOTHING to do with amateur boxing. That happened at a sparring session a long time after he competed in his smoker.

Agreed 100%

[TheRef]

I'm not implying at all that boxing SHOULD be suspended because of this. All I'm saying is real reason for holding amateur boxing shows SHOULD BE to either put that money right back into existing clubs, or to start new one's - to do otherwise is exploiting these kids with no reward to them at all. Someone said that having alcohol at these shows "creates a better environment" - are you serious? For who? Certainly not the kids. It's amateur boxing, - there should be NO alcohol - and certainly no bikini models/strippers as ring girls. Why is this so hard to assign as common sense?? It's about setting an example, and leading by it. These kids deserve that, at the very least.

- The Ref

[mschatz]

I'm not implying at all that boxing SHOULD be suspended because of this. All I'm saying is real reason for holding amateur boxing shows SHOULD BE to either put that money right back into existing clubs, or to start new one's - to do otherwise is exploiting these kids with no reward to them at all. Someone said that having alcohol at these shows "creates a better environment" - are you serious? For who? Certainly not the kids. It's amateur boxing, - there should be NO alcohol - and certainly no bikini models/strippers as ring girls. Why is this so hard to assign as common sense?? It's about setting an example, and leading by it. These kids deserve that, at the very least.

- The Ref

I disagree that alcohol, ring girls, etc are a detriment to the sport, so long as all competitors are over 18 years of age. As far as exploitation, I never felt that way. I enjoy boxing, I am excited about testing my skill against someone else, and I am glad to have an audience that is interested in watching that. If someone made money off that, it truly doesn't bother me in the slightest, and I consider it an even trade for the opportunity.

LOTS of amateur sports involve huge sums of money, and most involve larger sums than an amateur boxing card at the Olympic Club. March Madness? College Football? The athletes involved aren't paid either (or aren't supposed to be), and that's a multi multi multi million dollar industry.

In short, I just don't see this as much of a problem. Put an age limit on who can compete at shows that will have alcohol and call it good.

[mschatz]

Bump

Anyone know where we can check for updates on the status of this?