Association of Ringside Physicians 'strongly cautions' against smaller gloves for Mayweather-McGregor

The Association of Ringside Physicians doesn’t support the push for smaller gloves for the upcoming boxing match between UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor and undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

Here’s the letter:

To the Nevada State Athletic Commission:

The Association of Ringside Physicians understands that consideration is being given to amend current regulations, and in so doing, permit the use of 8oz Gloves in the forthcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. This is a bout that has already been set a (sic) specific weight class. Unless there is scientific evidence to support the view that such a change might improve the safety of this bout, we would strongly caution against allowing current regulation to be over-ruled. To do so would also set a precent for future bouts.

Respectfully,

Dr. Raymond M. Monsell
MSc MC BC FFSEM Dip Sport Med
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Association of Ringside Physicians

McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) meets Mayweather (49-0 boxing) in a highly anticipated boxing match on Aug. 26. The pay-per-view bout – possibly the biggest in combat-sports history – takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

At a Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing on Wednesday, commissioners will determine what sort of gloves the fighters will wear.

Mayweather recently took to social media to request eight-ounce gloves for the bout, answering McGregor’s challenge; the Nevada commission typically mandates 10-ounce gloves for any bout heavier than 147 pounds.

“Whatever advantage McGregor needs to feel more comfortable in the ring, I’m willing to accommodate,” Mayweather wrote. “Let’s give the boxing and MMA fans what they want to see.”

According to NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett, such a change would require special permission from the regulatory body, which the commission would likely give only if a compelling case could be made for the change in protocol, he said.

For more on “The Money Fight: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor,” check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.