Much of the current criticism of boxing comes from inadequate performances by officials. Not everyone can become a great boxing referee, judge, or physician, but that goal may be realized through training and the sharing of ideas and techniques to do a better job.

      International Professional Ring Officials was established in 2002 in Washington State. IPRO is an independent organization, whose goals are to train professional boxing officials and to donate money to retired boxers with medical and other needs. Since that time, IPRO has held yearly conventions in Las Vegas and Seattle. The organization includes nearly 300 members from over 30 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, England and Germany. Our goal is to provide the finest training for officials.

      Our recent all day seminar took place August 9th at Ring Sports United gym in Bellevue, Washington. It was conducted by world renown referee Joe Cortez, highly respected boxing judge Duane Ford, and former ring physicians Drs. Flip Homansky and Margaret Goodman.

      The training began with an in-depth discussion of lacerations by Drs. Homansky and Goodman. Cut location was stressed in an effort to determine when the referee should break the action for review by the ring physician, which cuts should stop a fight, and what criteria the referee should utilize in making a determination.

      Joe Cortez demonstrated various scenarios in the ring with two amateur boxers. Situations such as excessive holding, striking a downed boxer, working with the ringside physician, pre-fight instructions, knockdowns and many others were addressed. Joe then brought the referee attendees in the ring one-by-one to assess their preparedness in situations, followed by a critique and group discussion.

      Duane Ford conducted tough instruction on judging including videos of difficult rounds to score .

      The group later took examinations that required 75% to pass; this in contrast to the Association of Boxing Commission’s training that allows 70% to pass. Three individuals did not pass the testing and will no longer be able to work as officials in boxing.

      It is time for boxing to better regulate itself. Not everyone is meant to be a boxing official, and only the best should be used. That is what is safe and fair to the fighters we oversee.

      Our next meeting will be held later this year in New Jersey. 

      Barry Druxman, IPRO President.

      www.IproOfficials.com