WBC Grand Prix: Video Replays, No Draws, and Custom Gloves

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed the full list of innovations and regulations that will govern the upcoming WBC Grand Prix, a global boxing tournament set to kick off in April, continue in August and October, and culminate with a grand finale in December.

“We expect this tournament to produce the future stars of boxing. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh was very clear about supporting this vision when he heard about my father’s dream — a Boxing World Cup. I explained to him how it all began 11 years ago, when my father was hospitalized and couldn’t complete the project.

If the judges' scorecards result in a draw, we’ll activate the WBC’s enhanced scoring system, which was developed over many years with the help of Duane Ford and the WBC committee.

In this system, judges not only score numerically but also classify each round — was it even, moderately one-sided, dominant, or completely one-sided. These assessments are converted into numerical values.

If there’s still a draw, three appointed supervisors will determine the winner, who will advance to the next round,” said Sulaiman.

In addition, the judges will sit on higher chairs to have a better view and their evaluations will be open after the second and fourth rounds of the fight, “Why? Because it allows the boxer's corner to adjust strategy, change tactics, and also brings transparency to our sport,” Mauricio added.

Suleiman also noted that instant video replay technology will be available for controversial moments: “They will be used in all important situations and will be reviewed in case of disputes to ensure fairness.

Finally, a buzzer will sound 30 seconds before the end of each round to encourage both fighters to energize for the final part. They will also fight wearing 12-ounce Reyes King gloves, specially designed for this tournament.

We will have alternate fighters in each card. This is in case someone doesn't make weight, gets injured, or has another problem. This is a very complex project that requires a lot of work, organization, and dedication. The production of the gloves, the uniforms and everything else all have to be ready. It will be a historic event that will take place in Saudi Arabia,” said Suleiman.

Earlier, the WBC announced the start date of the tournament. The first bouts are scheduled to take place on April 17. The Grand Prix will be held in four weight categories: welterweight, bantamweight, middleweight and super featherweight. Thirty-two athletes will compete in each division. The competition will take place in Saudi Arabia.