Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports creates Athlete's Voice committee

The rules of combat sports — and frequently the policies and procedures that athlete commissions use to regulate those bouts in the U.S. — are often confusing, particularly to the athletes themselves.

The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) is taking a step to bring athletes closer to the process. It has formed the Athlete's Voice committee, which will seat seven current or former fighters on its panel in an attempt to refine rules, educate and improve processes.

The committee, which will be chaired by Kim Sumbler, the executive director of the New York State Athletic Commission, already includes former UFC fighters Din Thomas and Carlos Newton. Hall of Famer Randy Couture is also expected to be a member, said Mike Mazzulli, president of the ABC.

Mazzulli said the idea was borne out of interactions he had with fighters at events over the years.

"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," he said. "This committee will also allow fighters a voice at the table."

In addition to Mazzulli, Sumbler, Thomas and Newton, others already on the committee are Erik Magraken of the ABC's rules and regulations committee; Jack Reiss, a legendary boxing referee; Tony Cummings, executive director of the Colorado Office of Combative Sports; Nick Meeker, executive director of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission; and Jon Hollingsworth, administrator of the South Carolina Athletic Commission.

When Couture's position becomes official, there will be four additional spots for fighters.

The committee will bring forward concerns fighters make to the appropriate ABC committees in order to help improve the sport's regulation. It will also have an educational element to it, as the non-fighter members will explain issues such as scoring, fighter appeal rights, and contracts and issues involving managers.

Sumbler said the committee's creation should be a boon for the fighters.

“This is ground-breaking for the industry," she said. "[This is] regulators and athletes working hand-in-hand for the betterment of combat sports. [It's a] great opportunity for athletes to have a meaningful and organized voice in their own sport.”