British boxing chiefs look set to consider new measures covering the preparation of fighters for championship bouts. Physiologist Joe Dunbar was one of the witnesses called to today's resumption of the inquiry into Paul Ingle's ill-fated IBF featherweight title defence against South Africa's Mbulelo Botile in Sheffield nine days before Christmas.
Dunbar recommended proper nutritional build-up to title fights where boxers have to make an ordered poundage and could thus become dehydrated which, in turn, increases the risk of injury.
After a five-hour session in London, a Board of Control statement read: We have had an extremely productive meeting today, and all witnesses have co-operated fully. The purpose of this committee was to look fully all the circumstances of the contest, what preceded, and what followed the event. The committee found that the contest was efficiently and properly handled by the referee (Dave Parris), and that Paul Ingle received exemplary treatment after his injury. Concerns have arisen about the preparation of boxers for championship contests and the sub-committee wished to digest the evidence heard today to present to the Board recommendations for amendments to regulations. Promoter Frank Warren and Ingle's manager and trainer, Frank Maloney and Steve Pollard, plus Parris were interviewed by the sub-committee.
Meanwhile, Ingle has left intensive care for a rehabilitation unit nearer his home in Scarborough. The 28-year-old has continued to make "good progress" since undergoing emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.
