The Global Fighters' Association is kicking off a big series of talks to fix problems in boxing and other combat sports. They're starting with one of the biggest headaches - how fights are scored.
After almost a year of planning, the GFA will run roundtable discussions across the country. The first one will look at scoring standards. They'll get an independent group to review how fights are scored, how decisions are checked, and how to make everything clearer and more consistent.
The GFA is a new, independent group that fights for fighters, workers, and fans. It's not trying to make money. They'll officially launch to the public later this year.
These talks will run for 12 months, like a government committee. Independent lawyers will lead them. They'll bring in all sorts of people - ex-fighters, judges, referees, promoters, TV people, gym owners, doctors, money experts, and lawyers. After each session, they'll put out reports and suggestions. They're not deciding anything before they start.
The first roundtable will focus on making scoring more open and consistent. They'll look at how judges are trained, how fight scores are reviewed, and ways to have independent oversight.
Paul Smith Jr., who helped start the GFA and once fought for a world title, said:
"It's time for fighters to have a seat at the table. For too long, those taking the punches have had the least say. These roundtables are about asking the tough questions, with the right people in the room, and making sure the answers lead to real change."
Nick Peet, a sports reporter who also helped start the GFA, added:
"This isn't about finger-pointing – it's about proper reform. If we want the sport to thrive globally, we've got to get the foundations right. That starts with listening to those who live it every day."
Scoring has been one of the most argued-about topics in boxing recently. The GFA wants to tackle this and other long-standing issues to make real changes in the sport.
After they deal with scoring, the GFA plans to look at other important stuff like medical safety, drug testing, how much fighters get paid, help for fighters after they retire, and getting more people involved in the sport.
You can find out more about the GFA on their website.
