Evening star., 1920-01-12
WORLD RING CODE
/ HELD IMPROBABLE
No U. S. Delegates to Attend
International Boxing Union
Meeting in Paris.

NEW YORK, January 12.-American
boxing enthusiasts are awaiting with
interest the outcome of the meeting
of the International Boxing Union. TO
be held in Paris February j. Unless
there is an eleventh-hour shift in sen.
timent. the United States will not be
represented formally, if at all. As a
consequence it is doubtful if any of
the amateur organizations OF TINS
country or the pcofesSiona! promoters
viii feel obligated to observe regula-
, tons or suggestions which may arise
from such conference.
As composed at the present time
the union consists of French, English
Swiss and belgian boxing organiza-
tions or individuals who, under the
initiative of the French. have been
working uDon an iuterna tionat aSso-
citation plan since 1910, when the
French boxing federation attempted
to convene an international confer
ence to discuss the many crude angles
{ of the glove game. Neither the Eng
iish nor American authorities showed
any enthusiasm.
Officially Organized in 1913.
In 1913 another meeting was held
and the following year the l. b. u.
was officially organized, according to
the French, with the following coun-
tries represented, either officially or
informally: France Federation
eional Sporting Club, United States
New York state boxing commisSien),
Belgium Federation Begle de Boxe),
Switzerland Federation Suisse de
Boxe), Argentine Republic Boxing
Club of Buenos Aires) and the Aus
tralian Boxing Federation.
During the war there was no further
activity on the part of the Interna-
tional Boxing Union, but with the
signing of the armistice the French
proposed a revival of the organization,
with the result that the meeting in
Paris next month was called to con-
slider new rules. weight classifications
and other details necessary TO the
sreadjuStment and improvement of the
ring sport. In the meantime. however.
the American Army, Navy and civilian
board of boxing control had been
formed in this country and a new
code prepared to SuperSede the Marquis
of Queensberry rules.
This code was sent abroad for sub
mission and suggestions to. the Eng
lish and French boxing authorities.
1t is the hope of those who spent
weeks upon the revision of the rules
that the new regulations will prove
acceptable as the basis of a universal
boxing code. There are SO many radi-
cal differences between the Eaglish,
French and American systems OF
awarding boxing decisions, however,
that many are skeptical regarding the
outcome.
Standardized Rules Needed.
4 standardized set of boxing rules
for international use is badly needed
at this time. when boxing is expert
encing a great revival in many parts
of the world. An international as
sociation would also advance the
sport, but it is the consensus of
opinion among American authorities
that the International Boxing Union
governing laws viii have, to be radi-
cal1y changed before the United
States organizations can accept
membership.
Although two-thirds of the recog-
nized world championships are held by
American boxers, the country would
have but one vote in such union.
and rules and regulations inimical to
the best interests of boxing here
might easily be passed over the pro-
test of American delegates. Future
action on the invitation of the l. B. U.
authorities for cooperation on the
part of the United States will depend
to great extent upon the reception
accorded the revised rules which were
recently sent abroad. If they are ac-
cepted in a general way as the basis
for international ring contests the
way will be paved for further partici-
patton of this country in international
boxing reforms.