BBBC back vetting process after report of foreign fighters falsifying records
ByPA Sport
Published 26/02/2017 at 23:00 GMT
The British Boxing Board of Control are unconcerned about reports of foreign fighters distorting their professional records but still plan to discuss the issue at their next board meeting.
Dillian Whyte is among the British fighters who may have faced an opponent with a distorted record
Image credit: PA Sport
The British Boxing Board of Control are unconcerned about reports of foreign fighters distorting their professional records but still plan to discuss the issue at their next board meeting.
They also insist that any individual found guilty of tampering with paperwork is risking disciplinary action.
A report in The Sun claimed that 89 British fighters - Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora included - may have faced overseas opponents whose records have been falsified because of the absence of an international regulator overseeing the sport.
However the BBBC, who are widely recognised for providing perhaps the fight world's highest standards for health and safety, is satisfied its approach does not need to change.
"I'll have to discuss it and bring it to the board's attention but whether we'll change our policies, I don't know," their general secretary Robert Smith told Press Association Sport.
"We're very strict in what we do. We do as many checks as we can and are satisfied that things have been done correctly.
"We certainly know of issues in eastern European countries where we question whether fights are legitimate within their commission. We knock back a lot of boxers we do not deem to have had properly authorised contests.
"But every overseas boxer who takes part in this country: we receive confirmation that they are licensed.
"Over the last couple of years we have looked into the issues: we have to take it on good faith that other commissions in Europe are telling us the truth. We're always looking at things and if we need to question something we will.
"We obviously deal with matchmakers who bring people over. And if we find that people are lying, then we will obviously deal with them appropriately."
Frank Warren's matchmaker Jason McClory also does not believe forged records are a widespread problem within British boxing.
During a decade-long involvement in the sport he has also worked as an agent, manager and promoter in Britain, Europe and the US, and is convinced it would be harder to do so in the UK than anywhere else.
"Regardless of anything else, the board's safety record and regulations are second to none," he told Press Association Sport. "They're our safeguard.
"The safety checks are in place: they must be able to produce their medical records, MRI scans, blood tests, eye tests.
"This isn't Ali Dia playing for Southampton; (overseas boxers brought to the UK) can fight.
"If I ever found out that someone had falsified a record, I simply wouldn't work with them, and I'd report it to the authorities as well if I had proof. I do everything I can to protect my sport.
"There are certain people I try and work with because I trust them: they're reliable, conscientious and know the rules here."
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