Understanding Professional Boxing
Independent Articles & Analysis by Armando Garcia
Professional boxing is an international sport involving commissions, sanctioning bodies, promoters, officials, trainers, and boxers. Its rules, regulatory structures, and professional standards affect everyone involved.
Understanding Professional Boxing is an independent publication examining boxing regulation, governance, officiating, boxer safety, and the future of the sport.
Drawing on my experience as an international professional boxing official, trainer, and former commission executive, I explore how the sport operates, where questions remain, and what practical improvements deserve consideration.
The articles are organized by subject below. Select any article title to read the complete publication on Substack.
1. The Future of Professional Boxing: Governance & Reform
An examination of how professional boxing is regulated, who exercises authority, and what changes could improve the sport.
Does Professional Boxing Need to Be Rebuilt?
September 26, 2026
An introduction to the challenges facing professional boxing and the questions surrounding regulation, governance, and the future of the sport.
Who Actually Governs Professional Boxing?
September 26, 2026
Examines the different organizations and authorities involved in professional boxing and how responsibility for regulating the sport is distributed.
Part Two: The Ali Act, and Who Controls a Boxer’s Career
September 27, 2026
Explores the relationship between boxing legislation, regulatory responsibilities, and decisions affecting a boxer’s professional career.
Part Three: Who Teaches the Officials – and Which Rules Do They Follow?
September 27, 2026
Examines the challenges of training professional boxing officials and applying rules consistently across different jurisdictions and organizations.
Part Four: What Actually Needs to Be Rebuilt?
September 28, 2026
Considers practical areas for improvement in professional boxing regulation, governance, and professional standards.
2. The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act
Legislative developments, proposed reforms, and their possible consequences for professional boxing.
The Revival Act Hasn’t Moved – But There Is More to the Legislative Record
October 4, 2026
Examines the legislative history of S.5188 and the subsequent replacement amendment filed under H.R.4624, including questions raised by the proposed changes.
The Revival Act, Gambling, and Lessons Already Learned by the UFC
October 8, 2026
Explores the betting-integrity provisions associated with SA 6833 and what professional boxing might learn from integrity measures adopted in other combat sports.
3. BoxRec, Boxing Records & Boxer Safety
Who controls professional boxing records, what happens when information is missing, and why reliable documentation matters.
Who Decides What Gets Recorded?
October 11, 2026
BoxRec, Thailand and the Professional Boxing Record
Examines the relationship between boxing recordkeepers, local regulatory authorities, and the recognition of professional contests.
When a Missing Record Becomes a Boxer-Safety Issue
October 13, 2026
Five Days, Two Bouts and the Jordan Towns Case
Explores how incomplete or unavailable fight records can create difficulties in evaluating a boxer’s recent activity and protecting boxer safety.
BoxRec Appears to Ease Its Thailand Policy – But the Boxer-Safety Questions Remain
October 28, 2026
Discusses a reported adjustment in BoxRec’s Thailand policy and the remaining questions about missing records, access to information, and boxer safety.
4. Training, Evaluation & Professional Standards
Developing competent officials, evaluating performance, and strengthening the professional standards applied at boxing events.
A Summit on Training Professional Boxing Officials: Building a Common Foundation
September 28, 2026
Proposes discussion and cooperation around training standards, rules knowledge, and professional development for boxing officials.
Beyond Certification: Why Professional Boxing Needs Referee Performance Evaluation
October 5, 2026
Examines why certification alone cannot establish continuing competence and why structured referee performance evaluation matters.
Beyond Certification: Why Professional Boxing Needs Judge Performance Evaluation
October 6, 2026
Explores the importance of evaluating professional boxing judges through the consistent application of scoring criteria rather than expecting identical scorecards.
The Team Professional Boxing Cannot Afford to Ignore
October 7, 2026
Why Every Professional Boxing Event Needs a Trained Inspector Team
Examines the importance of properly trained inspectors in maintaining event procedures, preventing problems, and protecting boxer safety.
5. Rules in Practice: Boxer Safety & Real-Fight Cases
Practical examinations of boxing rules, referee decisions, equipment procedures, and safety responsibilities.
After the Knockout: The Safety Procedure That Should Already Be in Place
September 28, 2026
Addresses the importance of established procedures, coordination, and preparedness when a boxer is knocked out.
Fundora vs. Hadribeaj: Final Bell, TKO and Boxing Rules
October 24, 2026
Examines referee mechanics, knockdown procedures, and the rules governing actions occurring at or near the end of the competition period.
Handwraps, Gloves, and the Rules
October 26, 2026
Examines questions surrounding boxing equipment, handwraps, gloves, applicable rules, and responsibility for resolving equipment disputes.
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Understanding Professional Boxing is published on Substack. All articles are available to read online, and readers can subscribe to receive future publications.
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About This Publication
I write independently, drawing on my professional experience and lifelong interest in boxing. The views expressed are my own. I do not represent any commission, sanctioning body, country, or other organization through this publication.
The articles are intended to encourage informed discussion, examination of available evidence, and practical consideration of issues affecting professional boxing.
