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Thanks guys, hope you enjoy it.....
The proposal
The Meeting ran into the wee hours and one of the most contentious points was the proliferation of alleged “Worlds” Champions that infested the sport. Indeed, it seemed as though every country, state and province had its own Worlds Champion, which pretty much reduced the honor to the worth of a plugged nickel. At last, rising with regal purpose, Lord Chilton took the floor. “Gentlemen, I have a proposal to rectify this rather morose situation once and for all. We shall establish rankings, in each of the now recognized 8 weight classifications. To be eligible for this, a boxer must have engaged in 15 duly sanctioned professional matches. We shall split these rankings into a set for the entire World, as well as four sub regions.” The crowd grew hushed, mesmerized by the conviction and confidence displayed by the normally reserved Lord. He had thought long and hard on this and even had the region geography figured out.
· USBA – The United States Boxing Association would govern the entire country and recognize one Champion, to be determined in the ring, in each of the 8 weight classes. He reasoned the USA could support its own region, due to the popularity and participation in the sport.
· CABO – The Continental America’s Boxing Organization would govern all other countries in the Northern Hemisphere and also recognize a single Champion in each division.
· EBU – The European Boxing Union would govern the United Kingdom and continental Europe, again with a single Champion in each class.
· APBC – The Africa Pacific Boxing Council would govern all Pacific Rim countries, the Middle East and Africa, again with a single Champion in each weight class.
At the beginning of each calendar year there would be a tournament held the week after New Years. In the initial tournament the four region Champions and the 12 highest ranked “wild card” Boxers not holding a title would participate in a single elimination format, with the winner being proclaimed Worlds Champion. This honor would be retained until the next tournament the following January. After the initial tournament, the reigning Champion would have automatic entry, along with the 4 regional champions and the 11 highest ranked Boxers remaining in each division. If any titles were not occupied an additional ranked boxer would be added to the draw, and no man could hold more than one Championship honor. In addition all fights going forward would be gloved encounters, scheduled for 10 rounds. Region Championships and World tournament Semifinals would be 12 and the World tournament final 15. Each regain would form a commission to govern all aspects of the sport in their area and all professional fighters must obtain a license through that commission. The commissions would have legal, binding say in all matters pertaining to their region and a World council, consisting of the presidents of each region and an elected commissioner would govern the state of affairs of the sport as a whole.
As he quit speaking and sat down the room remained quiet…….It was finally secretary McCook that arose…..”Gentlemen, today I came here firmly resolved to abolish the sport of boxing in the United States. I believe it is by the grace of God that I have been swayed, and that is due to the good Lord Chilton. I would recommend this proposal be accepted and implemented with haste, for the survival of your sport is reliant on change coming swiftly and decisively.” Earl Lonsdale then stood, seconded the proposal and announced with dramatic flair…”Not only should these rules be adapted post haste, but indeed their author should be forever immortalized as the savior of boxing. I hereby propose we name the tournament to crown the Worlds Champion the “Chilton Cup.” After several minutes of excited discussion all proposals were accepted by the attendees and a new era was set to dawn…..There was much to do and the planning commenced immediately as a new day began to illuminate the New York City skyline.
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