International matchmaker Sean Gibbons is leading a wave of criticism aimed at BoxRec, the widely recognized platform for tracking professional boxing records. His concerns arise from the omission of crucial fight results, particularly those of Filipino athletes.
Missing Notable Wins
Gibbons pointed specifically to the recent fights of Marlon Tapales and Criz Laurente, both held in Thailand. In September, Tapales secured a victory over Nirun Baonok via technical knockout, earning the WBF International Featherweight title. Despite this notable achievement, BoxRec has not acknowledged the fight in its records.
Similarly, Laurente’s impressive third-round knockout victory against Benchalong Tanbu for the WBF Intercontinental Lightweight title on the same day has also gone unlisted on the site. Gibbons expressed his frustration, stating, "BoxRec has strayed from its original purpose; it has become more commercialized and less reliable as a record-keeping source for professional boxing results."
Widespread Discontent Among Promoters
JC Mananquil, leader of Sanman Promotions and Tapales’ promoter, echoed Gibbons’ sentiments. "BoxRec has been a trusted source for 26 years, yet it has failed to include significant fights. Fans expect to see accurate results of their heroes’ battles," he said.
Promoters from regions such as the Middle East and Asia have united in their discontent, labeling BoxRec’s decisions as unacceptable. They argue that numerous legitimate bouts sanctioned in their territories have been neglected by the site.
“The most frustrating part is witnessing fights initially recorded only to see them disappear the next day. Even past events seem to have been erased from the records,” lamented Jordanian boxing manager Mohammad Nabil Mohammad Alawneh.
He emphasized the impact of these omissions on fighters’ careers, stating, “These athletes have real dreams and need fairness and transparency in their records.”
Questioning BoxRec's Role
Jose Mohan, founder of Middle East Professional Boxing, criticized BoxRec for deleting sanctioned fights without explanation, suggesting the platform has crossed the line from record keeper to regulator. "Every fighter deserves an accurate record, no matter who promotes them," he insisted.
Challenging BoxRec’s authority, Thai promoter Eaung Laosuwanwat urged the company to remove his fighters’ incomplete records entirely if they cannot rectify the issues. "Misleading or incomplete records can harm my boxers' reputations," he stated firmly.
Chinese promoter Liu Gang also raised alarms about BoxRec's unwarranted removal of his name as a promoter and the alleged intimidation of fighters who do not comply with its new regulations. “BoxRec's actions undermine the integrity of the sport,” Liu declared.
BoxRec's Response
In response to the backlash, Matthew Brown of brunchboxing.com provided insights into BoxRec’s recent changes. Describing the platform as "boxing’s official record keeper since 2016," Brown noted that BoxRec has revamped its standards for validating pro fights, reflecting a growing concern over the practice of “record-padding.”
BoxRec aims to maintain its role as a credible authority, claiming that not every contest presented as professional boxing meets their rigorous standards. They maintain the position that mere submission of results does not guarantee recognition. As they refine their criteria, their representatives emphasize the importance of distinguishing genuine competitive matches from informal bouts.
This ongoing situation highlights a crucial conversation within the boxing community about the need for transparency and accountability in the world of professional fighting. With the future of many fighters’ careers hanging in the balance, the boxing world watches closely to see how BoxRec will address these formidable concerns.
