Things just got a little more interesting for August 26th…
Earlier today the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) unanimously approved a motion to reduce the size of gloves worn by Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather for their bout on August 26th.
The reduced glove size debate started through social media 2 weeks ago. Floyd posted on Instagram that he wished to give Conor an advantage in the bout by reducing the glove sizes worn from 10-ounces to 8. NSAC executive director, Bob Bennett, then stated the fighters could apply for a waiver to reduce the glove sizes and the commission would vote on it.
Representatives for both fighters appeared before the commission today and stated their preference for the smaller glove sizes. While neither team believed smaller gloves carry a risk, the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) disagreed.
Ringside Physicians Urge Against Reduced Glove Sizes
Standard boxing regulations state that 8-ounce gloves should only be worn for fights taking place at under 147lbs. Floyd and Conor will be fighting at 154lbs, however. Some are worried that over-ruling the regulations, in this case, would set a concerning precedent.
Yesterday the ARP wrote a letter to the commission strongly urging them not to over-rule current regulations.
“Unless there is scientific evidence to support the view that such a change might improve the safety of the bout, we should strongly caution against allowing current regulations to be over-ruled,”
Apparently, the NSAC doesn’t think much of ARP’s advice as they blatantly and unanimously ignored it. The commission cited lack of scientific evidence that glove size should be dictated by weight class.
The commission was far more concerned with how the two fighters went about requesting the change than the actual the change itself. NSAC Chairman, Anthony Marnell, had this to say on the matter:
“I do not like the Nevada State Athletic Commission being used as a pawn in a social media bout,” Marnell said. “Between these two, that part of this request pisses me off.
“This body is not the subject of two fighters to create social media stir and other controversy to sell tickets and to sell DirecTV.”
Conor and Floyd’s Responses
Conor McGregor’s representative, Michael Mersch, had only this to say regarding the reduced glove size.
“We don’t have any health and safety concerns on the behalf of our fighter.”
CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leanard Ellerbe, explained Mayweather’s position on the matter last week.
“Both guys have agreed that they want to fight in 8-ounce gloves, both guys are looking to knock each other out. The smaller the gloves, the better.
“I think it’s a good thing. I think with the mindset that both guys have, they’re looking to knock each other out. … This isn’t a game or anything. If the commission approves it, both guys will be wearing the same ounce gloves.
Conor McGregor’s striking coach, Owen Roddy, doesn’t feel that the reduced glove size will matter. When asked about glove sizes and a potential referee for the bout, Roddy had this to say:
“There are no issues. People are talking about the referee like it’s an issue and people are talking about the size of the gloves like it’s an issue. All of that stuff is irrelevant.
At the end of the day, when they both get in there, people are going to see that all of this stuff makes no difference at all.”