(AUG 22) It’s happened again. This time, in a female World Boxing Council Strawweight World title match, one of the challengers for the world title failed to make weight. In the 105 pound contest, Yahaira Martinez of Puerto Rico somehow came in 2.8 pounds over the limit. How can this happen? The WBC has a long standing protocol that, when followed, not only averts problems like this, but allows for the safe and gradual weight loss for boxers. It’s a win-win situation for all involved.

The problem is that far too often, the promoter, who as part of the sanctioning conditions, is supposed to insure that both camps provide verified weights to the WBC at 30 days and 7 days prior to the match.

You’d think that professionals who make money from the paying public would not ignore something as simple and unobtrusive as a quick weigh-in. The decision by the boxer not to make weight cost her 20% of her purse, not to mention an opportunity to win the world championship before she even stepped into the ring! And, the fans lose, because they paid to watch a WBC World Championship match, and got less than they paid for!

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Probably the most notable example was Jose Luis Castillo vs. Diego Corrales, but this happens far too often. Even if they do finally make weight by sweating off pounds in a short period of time during a weigh-in, they deplete their reserves and usually end up losing. These situations are very dangerous, and puts the fighter’s health and even their life in jeopardy.

Isn’t it safer for the boxer, and easier for everyone to just adhere to the WBC weigh-in policy?