Exclusive: Boxing organisation blocks chance to make three-minute rounds for women
- Joe Hewlett
- 12 May 2022
The WBC president said Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano was the perfect example of why it should remain two-minute rounds in female fighting.
Mauricio Sulaiman has said there is no plan to change rounds from two minutes to three in women's boxing.
There have been calls from key fighters such as Amanda Serrano to make the transition but the WBC president is not keen on the idea although 12, two-minute rounds could be something they consider moving forward.
"That's a possibility, that's a different possibility," Sulaiman told Planet Sport. "It could happen, we're waiting for some medical studies to come through but that's a possibility that maybe in high profile fights would be acceptable.
"But going back to what I just said, when that tenth round ended (between Katie Taylor and Serrano), both were exhausted, and you can only raise the limit of risk so much.
"I would be hesitant but if the medical studies provide some information towards that then that can be one step. Three minutes, I see it very very far from being able to ever accept a WBC fight for three minutes."
Sulaiman 'proud' of Taylor and Serrano
Earlier this month, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano made history by becoming the first two female fighters to headline Madison Square Garden in New York.
Taylor edged out Serrano in a thrilling contest to retain her WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight titles.
The WBC president admitted it was a 'proud' moment to be part of an event which created history in the sport.
"Absolutely, very very proud. They made women's boxing, they made boxing, they made sports boom that night, shine worldwide," said Sulaiman.
"The WBC has been heavily involved in women's boxing for many many years. We are a strong supporter in the power of women - this was a statement. I am very happy for everyone who was involved in making this happen.
"We created a beautiful special belt as a trophy, the Celtic Boricua belt, with the flags of both countries. I'm just very proud of both of them and I'm proud that it was a tremendous statement to prove that two-minute rounds are the perfect rule for women's boxing.
"You don't need three-minute rounds, you don't need to see women taking the additional risk. If you look at the end of the fight, both were exhausted, cut and hurt and the fight was ecstatic, could not have been better.
"That's a very easy point to simply praise for who doesn't want to understand that and they are thirsty for blood and accidents, that's a different scenario."
