Section 8: Safety Considerations
Pre-Fight Medical Requirements
All boxers must undergo comprehensive medical examinations before being approved to compete. Required tests typically include:
- Complete physical examination by a licensed physician
- Blood tests including CBC, hepatitis B and C screening, and HIV testing
- Ophthalmologic (eye) examination, including dilated fundoscopic exam
- Brain MRI or CT scan (required periodically, typically annually or as directed by the commission)
- EKG or cardiac evaluation for boxers over a certain age
- Female boxers must provide proof they are not pregnant
Ringside Medical Personnel
A qualified ringside physician must be present at all WBA-sanctioned bouts. The physician has the authority to advise the referee to stop the bout if a boxer has sustained injuries that could endanger their health. Emergency medical equipment, including oxygen and a stretcher, must be readily available at ringside. An ambulance must be on standby at the venue.
Mandatory Rest Periods
After a bout, boxers are subject to mandatory rest periods (medical suspensions) before they may compete again. The length of the suspension depends on the outcome and severity of the bout:
- Minimum 30-day rest after any bout
- 60 to 90-day suspension after a KO or TKO loss
- Extended suspensions may be required for severe injuries, multiple consecutive losses, or at the discretion of the ringside physician
Referee Stoppage (TKO)
The referee must stop the bout if a boxer is unable to defend themselves intelligently, is taking excessive punishment, has sustained a cut that poses a danger to their health, or is otherwise unable to continue safely. The referee's primary obligation is the safety of both boxers.
Weight Management Safety
The WBA monitors weigh-in procedures to ensure boxers are not endangering their health through extreme weight cutting. Boxers must weigh in at the official ceremony, typically held the day before the bout. Excessive weight cutting or signs of dehydration may be flagged by commission physicians, who have the authority to recommend a boxer be prohibited from competing if their health is in jeopardy.
Anti-Doping
The WBA cooperates with VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) and other testing bodies to combat performance-enhancing drug use in boxing. Boxers in WBA championship bouts may be subject to random drug testing before and after the fight. Positive tests result in sanctions including suspension, stripping of titles, and financial penalties.