The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC), headed by President Michael Mazzulli, oversees many ABC Committees including a medical committee, appeals committee, officials committee and has now created a formal athlete’s voice committee in support of hundreds of current and retired fighters. “The ABC hopes this committee will allow all fighters to understand the sport from a regulatory standpoint.” said Mazzulli. “At every weigh-in I ask fighters questions relating to rules and regulations and it is apparent to me a majority of combative participants do not have clear knowledge of the Rules and Scoring Criteria. This committee will also allow fighters a voice at the table.”

Chaired by New York State Athletic Commission Executive Director Kim Sumbler, the committee’s purpose is to build a bridge between fighters and regulators and to provide fighters a meaningful opportunity to have a voice in their sport; a two-way platform for fighters to voice their concerns to regulators and equally an opportunity for regulators to create educational opportunities for fighters.

“This is ground-breaking for the industry. Regulators and athletes working hand in hand for the betterment of combat sports. A great opportunity for athletes to have a meaningful and organized voice in their own sport” said Sumbler. Regulators are invited to work with the committee and extend opportunities to fighters who wish to better understand vital issues such as how scoring works, appeal rights, contractual literacy workshops, regulatory rights regarding managers and any other educational opportunities that can advance fighter interests in the sport.

In addition to Chairwoman Sumbler, the committee will consist of six volunteer members of the ABC alongside seven retired professional fighters. On behalf of the ABC, those volunteers include, Erik Magraken of the ABC’s Rules and Regulations Committee, referee Jack Reiss, Colorado Executive Director Tony Cummings, Wyoming Executive Director Nick Meeker, and South Carolina Athletic Commission Administrator Jon Hollingsworth. The first two of seven ABC appointed fighter representatives have been announced as MMA notables, Din Thomas who said, “I’m so proud to be a part of this historical moment for our community and I’m honored to help where I can.” and former MMA world champion Carlos Newton who added, “Id rather fight for the future than relive the past”.

The group’s goals will be to invite fighters from across regulated disciplines and keep an active list of fighters who are participating. They will work to organize and consolidate the most pressing concerns fighters have and bring these concerns to the committee at large. In the coming weeks the ABC will provide a form on their website for athletes who wish to participate.