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Untimely death is always sad and
tragic, no more so than in the
sport of boxing or related
sports. I read the other day
about the passing of Lance
Ferguson-Prayogg, who died in
Nottingham shortly after
collapsing after a fight in a
'semi professional' boxing
contest.
The World Boxing Federation
extends its condolences to the
family of Ferguson-Prayogg
during this difficult time.
Following this tragedy, the
boxing world immediately
questioned the safety
regulations pertaining to 'semi
professional' and 'white collar
boxing' and as to whether there
had been sufficient medical
safety precautions at this event
in Nottingham which might have
possibly saved the fighter's
life.
While 'semi professional' and
'white collar boxing' is
separate from professional
boxing, the death remains a
tragedy and certainly re-opens
the continued discussion of
safety precautions in
professional boxing.
While the WBF are only involved
in the sanctioning of title
fights in the professional
boxing world, the truth is that
boxing is a dangerous sport of
combat and it is our
responsibility, and a
responsibility we are extremely
serious about, to ensure that as
far as possible, fighters are
looked after – before, during
and after the contest.
Tragedies in professional boxing
do occur, but we as a
sanctioning body have always
ensured and will continue to
ensure that the safety of
fighters is paramount.
The World Boxing Federation's
Executive Committee will be
meeting in Germany towards the
end of August and this is one of
the many items on our agenda.
With one of the top medical men
in the world, Dr. Adam Balogh,
heading the WBF medical
department, we will be looking
at ways to make this great sport
of ours safer for the fighters
who entertain and who are the
stars of the show.
The bottom line is that medical
requirements and regulations
need to be revisited at all
times, and the quest to make
this tough sport safer needs to
continue infinitely.
Lance Ferguson-Prayogg was a
young man in the prime of his
life, whose life sadly ended far
too early. Again, we convey our
condolences to his family. RIP -
Lance Ferguson-Prayogg.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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