With a 53-year-old Mike Tyson whipping himself back into fighting shape and old rival Evander Holyfield, 58, swiftly following suit, the likelihood of middle-aged boxing legends making a comeback, for charity or otherwise, has become an unnerving possibility.
Other former greats have apparently expressed an interest in returning, prompting promoters Impact Boxing to propose a ‘Veterans Boxing League’, specifically for ex-pros aged between 45-60 years.
Dubbed the ‘VBL’, this concept league would adhere to the traditional boxing divisions and work alongside “established sanctioning bodies” to create a ranking system and championship structure for each weight class. This would allow retired pros to come out of retirement and “recapture their former glory in the ring” in a safer setting against equal opposition.
Bouts would take place over six-by-two minute rounds with 90 second breaks instead of the traditional one minute to allow sufficient recovery time and proper medical supervision. Veteran fighters would wear 12oz gloves in the heavier weight classes and 10oz ones in the lighter divisions, and must pass stringent medical requirements. Seeded tournaments could even be held based on previous success.
“This structure will allow retired fighters to compete against each other and avoid mismatches where [they] are fighting boxers who are much younger than them, which increases the potential risk of injury and is something that no one wants to see,” said Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing on behalf of Impact Boxing.
According to Marcano, Impact Boxing is already in discussions to hold its first VBL promotion with a main event featuring two “boxing hall of famers” when regulations preventing fans from attending shows are lifted.
“As soon as we are up and running, we are expecting to get this new platform off the ground in conjunction with Impact’s regular boxing programming,” added Marcano.
While veteran events would inevitably draw huge interest and are widespread in many safer, non-combat sports, watching faded legends punch for pay seems unsavoury and dangerous, even with such well thought out safety provisions.
Feature image: Mikey Williams/Top Rank.