Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has firmly rejected any move to reinstate the traditional 15-round format for championship boxing bouts.
For many years, title fights were contested over 15 rounds until a tragic incident in 1982 led to a major change in the sport. The death of lightweight Duk Koo Kim—who suffered severe punishment in his 14-round title fight against Ray Mancini—prompted the WBC to reduce the distance to 12 rounds. Soon after, the other major sanctioning bodies followed suit in an effort to enhance fighter safety.
Recently, however, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza hinted that his organization might consider a trial period for 15-round contests, particularly for bouts featuring high-caliber opposition. “WBA may think about approving it in a trial mode, for certain high caliber opposition between the boxers,” Mendoza explained.
Medical studies have long indicated that extending bouts beyond 12 rounds significantly increases the risk of brain damage, dehydration, and exhaustion. Alalshikh echoed these concerns, stressing that fighter health should never be compromised for the sake of tradition.
“No, I don’t support this idea in any way. This is bad for a fighter’s health and I would never be in favor of fights going back to 15 rounds. In my opinion, even a 12-round fight could be too much for a fighter’s health, but 15 rounds is out of the question. A 15-round fight should never be allowed to happen,” Alalshikh asserted.
Alalshikh’s stance underscores a broader commitment within the sports community to prioritize the well-being of athletes, ensuring that the evolution of the sport does not come at the expense of its participants’ health and safety.
Published by Sports & Gulf Magazine
