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Association of Ringside Physicians Requests Caution in McGregor-Mayweather Boxing Glove Change Hearing

August 15, 2017 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

The Association of Ringside Physicians has asked for caution in a hearing asking for a glove size change in the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor fight. MMA Fighting reports that the ARP sent a letter to the NSAC on Tuesday arguing against changing the glove size from ten ounces to eight. Teams for both fighters have asked for the change.

“Unless there is scientific evidence to support the view that such a change might improve the safety of the bout, we should strongly caution against allowing current regulations to be over-ruled,” ARP board chairman Dr. Raymond Monsell wrote. “To do so would also set a precedent for future bouts.”

Under most boxing rule sets, athletes can wear eight-ounce gloves in fights that take place under 147 pounds. Mayweather vs. McGregor is being fought at 154 pounds, where ten-ounce gloves are required, but a waiver can be granted if the commissioners vote in favor of it.

“Both guys have agreed that they want to fight in 8-ounce gloves,” Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said last week. “Both guys are looking to knock each other out. The smaller the gloves, the better. Conor is used to fighting in 4-ounce gloves, Floyd is used to fighting in 8-ounce gloves. I think it’s a good thing. I think with the mindset that both guys have, they’re looking to knock each other out. … This isn’t a game or anything. If the commission approves it, both guys will be wearing the same ounce gloves. I think the probability increases if both guys are wearing 8-ounce gloves that somebody is getting knocked out.”