As of August, Mike Mazzulli will conclude his ten-year tenure as President of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). A new president will be elected during the annual conference in New Orleans. Mazzulli has opted not to pursue re-election, paving the way for a new leader in the ABC.
During his leadership, Mazzulli focused on fighter safety and ensuring that athletes had a voice in regulation decisions. His departure is particularly significant, as the ABC faces scrutiny regarding proposed amendments to the Muhammad Ali Act. Observers are eager to see who will succeed Mazzulli in this pivotal role.
In a recent conversation, Mazzulli stated, “My term is up, and I’m ready to pass on the leadership position. I’ll still be heading the commission with the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut and will be available to help the ABC wherever it’s needed.”
Last week, Mazzulli hinted at the upcoming leadership change during an appearance on Din Thomas' "FightCourt" podcast. According to the ABC's constitution, any voting delegate in good standing can nominate a candidate for the presidency during the ABC’s annual meeting. If there are multiple nominations, an anonymous paper ballot will be held, with the majority vote determining the next president.
Potential successors to Mazzulli include Tim Shipman of Florida and Scott Bowler from Utah. This transition in leadership happens amid discussions about the Ali Act—changes that Mazzulli believes will not significantly alter under new leadership. The momentum behind the Ali Act has decelerated, especially after Dana White and TKO stepped back from collaborating with Turki Alalshikh on the promotion of the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight.
The ABC has made strides in regulatory unity, particularly in recognizing medical suspensions across different jurisdictions. This focus on common goals to enhance the safety and integrity of combat sports is likely to continue under the next president, following the path laid out by Mazzulli over the previous decade.
Among Mazzulli’s notable achievements is the establishment of a fighter committee, providing a formal platform for athletes to have a significant voice in decisions that directly impact them. This move has helped legitimize the industry and strengthen fighter representation within the ABC.
The 37th annual ABC conference is scheduled for August 1–7 in New Orleans. This significant event will not only involve the election of the new president but will also feature critical sessions such as judge and referee training, proposals for rule changes, and discussions on safety protocols. It is an excellent opportunity for fighters to engage actively in shaping the future of the sport, rather than merely observing. Special sessions aimed at technical aspects related to rule changes will place a strong emphasis on the importance of fighter input.
This conference represents a vital chance for networking, education, and collective advancement of combat sports. Both professional fighters and medical personnel are encouraged to participate actively. For more details about the event and to stay updated, you can visit the official ABC website.
