The WBA 15-round proposal has sparked debate across the boxing world. Many of the greatest fights in history—from Muhammad Ali’s legendary wars to the brutal classics immortalised in Raging Bull—were fought over 15 rounds. There’s no doubt those fights helped shape the sport and cement its legacy, but does that mean we should bring them back? Absolutely not.
While I love watching old-school boxing, reviving 15-round fights in today’s climate would be a dangerous step backward. With what we now know about fighter safety, long-term brain damage, and the effects of repeated blows to the head, the risks simply outweigh the nostalgia. That said, if there’s one change boxing should be making, it’s in women’s boxing—where fighters deserve 12 three-minute rounds just like the men.
The Case for 15 Rounds: Why Some Fans Want It Back
There’s no denying that 15-round fights produced some of the most legendary moments in boxing history. Think about Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán, Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, or Rocky Marciano vs. Jersey Joe Walcott — those battles would have played out differently in a 12-round format.
Some fans argue that modern fights often feel rushed, with fighters pacing themselves differently over 12 rounds instead of going deep into those championship rounds. The old-school argument is that longer fights separate the truly great from the good, forcing fighters to dig deeper than ever before.
The WBA 15-round proposal is being pushed under the idea that it would make boxing more exciting again. But at what cost?
The Reality: Fighter Safety Comes First
Boxing has changed massively since the 15-round era, and for good reason. The move to 12 rounds came after the tragic death of Duk Koo Kim in 1982 following his fight with Ray Mancini. Kim collapsed in the ring after the 14th round and died four days later from brain injuries. His death was a wake-up call for the sport, leading to the introduction of the 12-round fight limit.
Medical studies have since proven that the extra rounds increased the risk of serious, long-term damage. Fighters already take enormous punishment in 12-round fights—just imagine the wear and tear over 15 rounds. We’re seeing fighters retire younger, more boxers speaking out about CTE, and a growing awareness of the dangers of head trauma.
Bringing back 15-round fights would undo decades of progress in fighter safety. It’s not just about endurance; it’s about protecting fighters from taking unnecessary punishment that could have life-altering consequences.
Boxing Needs to Focus on Better Safety, Not More Rounds
Instead of looking to the past, boxing should be focusing on improving safety measures. That means:
- Better corner stoppages – Too often, trainers and referees let fights go on too long.
- Stronger medical protocols – More post-fight monitoring for head trauma and mandatory brain scans.
- Improved judging – Fewer robberies would make fights more exciting without needing extra rounds.
The Real Change Boxing Needs: 12 Three-Minute Rounds for Women
If boxing wants to make meaningful changes, let’s talk about women’s boxing. Right now, women fight two-minute rounds instead of three, and they only get ten rounds for championship fights instead of twelve. Why?
There’s no legitimate reason why female fighters shouldn’t be on equal footing with the men. In MMA, women fight the same length rounds as men, and it’s never been an issue. Extending women’s fights to 12 three-minute rounds wouldn’t just level the playing field, it would also lead to more knockouts, better pacing, and more exciting fights overall.
The WBA has been a long-time blocker of equal rounds for women, despite the WBC, IBF, and WBO all agreeing that women should box under the same conditions as men. So why is the WBA pushing for longer fights for men but refusing to give women equal treatment?
Instead of revisiting 15-round fights, the WBA and other organisations should be campaigning for equal treatment in women’s boxing. Fighters like Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano have already spoken out about this issue. It’s time for the governing bodies to listen.
Final Thoughts: Leave 15 Rounds in the Past
The WBA 15-round proposal is nothing more than a nostalgia trip. Boxing doesn’t need longer fights—it needs safer fights. It needs better judging, stricter medical standards, and most importantly, equal opportunities for female fighters.
Bringing back 15-round fights would put fighters at unnecessary risk, undoing years of progress in the sport. If boxing wants to evolve, it should focus on making meaningful improvements, not dragging the sport back to a more dangerous era.
What Do You Think?
Should boxing bring back 15-round fights, or is it a step backward? And do you think women’s boxing should have 12 three-minute rounds like the men? Let me know in the comments!
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