Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council, emphasized that the safety of female boxers is the organization's top priority. Facing criticism for keeping rounds at two minutes in women's boxing, Sulaimán justified the decision with medical evidence. He revealed that women have an 80% higher susceptibility to cerebral contusions.
The growth of women's boxing has driven benefits like higher purses and greater visibility, but it has also sparked controversies over ring safety. Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), told MILENIO-La Afición exclusively that protecting female boxers is 'the top priority'.
This year, criticism has intensified over the WBC's refusal to extend rounds beyond two minutes or to 12 rounds, as in men's boxing. Sulaimán explained that decisions are based on scientific research: women have 'an 80% higher susceptibility to cerebral contusion'. The organization keeps fights at two minutes and a maximum of 10 rounds, totaling 20 minutes.
Sulaimán compared it to other sports that differentiate by gender: 'In basketball, the ball is smaller and the hoop lower; in tennis, women play three sets and men five'. Facing media pressure and promoters prioritizing spectacle over integrity, the WBC remains firm: 'Knowing the risk is greater for women, we will not change the rule in any way. Taking them to 12 rounds of three minutes would be almost double'.
He regretted that some female boxers risk themselves for higher pay, criticizing efforts like those of Jake Paul and his MVP company, which equalize conditions with men. 'They are deceiving the fighters. It's not the boxers' fault but the trainers, promoters, and managers who promise more money if they fight three minutes'.