TEDDY ATLAS ASKS BOXING FANS, FIGHTERS, ET AL. TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED WITH ONLINE PETITION CALLING FOR A FEDERAL COMMISSION
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 May 2023
"The status quo is not acceptable. Boxing's survival begins with accountability and consequences of actions, or inaction," - Teddy Atlas
NEW YORK (May 23, 2023) -- Teddy Atlas, the Hall of Fame boxing analyst, trainer, podcast host, and philanthropist, has seen a lot throughout his career in boxing…and he has seen enough. Today, on THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas (Haney beats Lomachenko in Controversy | Sign Petition for Boxing Reform! - YouTube), the podcast he co-hosts with Ken Rideout, Atlas called for the establishment of a federal boxing commission and posted an online petition form in its support. Atlas also announced that his team will be presenting the petition and sharing their concerns with several elected officials to advance this issue before Congress. The petition can be accessed via this link, which also includes the embedded podcast segment addressing this issue. Online Petition Form | forms.app.
"Recent nationally televised professional boxing events have shown a spotlight on unacceptable performances inside and around the ring by officials appointed to maintain the integrity and consumer confidence of the sport," said Atlas. "While I recognize the human element is naturally fallible, I cannot, and I think many who love the sport of boxing agree, that this should be acceptable. The fighters who sacrifice so much in their training and risk their well-being inside the ring, deserve accountability and consequences for the actions, or inaction, by those responsible for the health and safety of the fighters. Officiating in boxing -- from the commission to the referees, judges, inspectors, et al. -- need to recognize this and step up. It's time for the entire process to be overhauled and elevated to the same standard of major league sports.
"There needs to be a centralized and standardized authority to supervise the sport of boxing, not unlike the way the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc. manage their affairs. In most cases, a position on a boxing commission is an act of political patronage. Where is the experience and knowledge required to do the job properly? Where are the public hearings? Over 20 years ago, the late promoter Dan Goossen tried to establish an official's school to train judges and referees, based on NFL protocols. That's just one idea that I think should be seriously considered."
Atlas, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019, has trained a roster of hall of fame fighters, including Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Barry McGuigan, Shannon Briggs, and Timothy Bradley, Jr. He's been a boxing analyst with ESPN for 25 years and NBC Sports boxing coverage of the Olympics from 2000 to 2016. He founded the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, in memory of his father, in 1997, where it has come to the aid of people in a variety of difficult situations, people who otherwise fall between the cracks.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Dagestan rivalry set to ignite Moscow: Khalidov and Yallyev clash on stacked IBA PRO 19 card
Wed, 03 Jun 2026Deep Waters rules inaugural WR Bughouse Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Jun 2026HE TURKI ALALSHIKH: 'AJ vs PRENGA IN JEDDAH REINFORCES SAUDI ARABIA'S POSITION AS DESTINATION FOR WORLD'S LEADING EVENTS'
Tue, 02 Jun 2026ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
Tue, 02 Jun 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
Tue, 02 Jun 2026GUSTAVO TRUJILLO CONTINUES HEAVYWEIGHT ASCENT WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND TKO
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Boxing Insider Promotions Brings Regional Card to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, June 13
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Chess, in whatever form, is a great equalizer
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 01 Jun 2026UNBEATEN CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE RETURNS TO FACE JING AGUAN IN A LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT HEADLINING SANMAN 101
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Lebosada, Sia rule DSA Open golf
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Davao Chess Eagles in FIDE World Team Rapid & Blitz in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Pido retains crown, Pulleda wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Juarez defeats Valle by split decision to retain WBC belt in El Paso,Texas
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Jose Sulaiman's 95th birthday is being celebrated with events around the world
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Filipino referee Danrex Tapdasan is now one of the IBF board of directors
Sun, 31 May 2026