Spitting in boxing might never be the same.
The British Boxing Board of Control is working on an “apparatus” that would allow fighters to safely spit out water – or whatever else — between rounds as part of its latest plan to restart boxing amid the coronavirus pandemic, although officials provided no details on the device.
The BBBofC is targeting a July return.
The five-page plan, which clarifies earlier guidelines, includes a line that reads: “No spitting from Boxers when in corners.” However, BBBofC General Secretary Robert W. Smith told The Associated Press it isn’t like to be a hard and fast rule.
“We’re working on apparatus in the corner where a boxer can refresh themselves in a safe and clean-as-possible way,” Smith said. “They’ll be able to refresh themselves with water and obviously gargle … and dispense with that water in as clean-as-possible way.
“An apparatus to do that will hopefully be in place. We’ll have to have something that’s closed.”
Among other guidelines the BBBofC plans to follow:
- No fans will be in attendance.
- Boxers, referees, trainers and other personnel will be transported to the venue wearing protective masks.
- Boxers will fight without masks but referees and cornermen will be required to leave them on.
- No ring announcers, round card girls or TV cameras will be allowed inside the ring.
- The BBBofC will review all proposed venues, which will be “cleaned to a medical standard” before the event.
- Only essential officials, promoters and broadcasters can attend.
- Those in high-risk categories — for example, the elderly or people with asthma — should not attend.
- Everyone at an event will be tested for COVID-19.
- Boxers, trainers and referees will self-isolate at a hotel until their test results are determined.
Another stipulation is that no championship fights will take place initially because more people would be required to attend.
“If procedures are working well, we bring in the championships,” Smith said. “The whole thing is up for discussion.”
Smith also said that the targeted month to restart the sport is flexible.
“It depends what is said on Sunday from the government, if we’re on lock down a further period of time,” Smith said. “It may end up in August, it may end up in September. We’re not over this crisis yet.”
Some boxing figures in the U.K. have not embraced the guidelines.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, with whom Smith said he’s on the same page, told the BBC that new regulations are “huge barriers to overcome,” including increased costs of staging an event.
Trainer Joe Gallagher Tweeted: “Why the rush and do things in half measures? Make sure everyone is safe and well and let’s look at getting going in September. Give everyone time to get back training, sparring and make sure everyone is safe.”