Khan Backs Major Inquiry Into Boxing Welfare

Former world champion Amir Khan is supporting a King's Counsel-led inquiry aimed at raising safety and welfare standards across boxing and combat sports.

Khan has endorsed the Global Fighters Association's appointment of barrister Jonathan Caplan KC to conduct what the organization calls a comprehensive examination of safety protocols, governance structures, and fighter treatment at every level. The inquiry will produce an initial report by spring 2027, Sky Sports reports.

Why Boxing Needs Independent Scrutiny Now

Caplan will consult fighters, coaches, doctors, referees, promoters, governing bodies, and families of boxers to gather evidence. "We're doing this inquiry late, it should have been done a long time ago," he told Sky Sports. "Combat sports are now crying out for the same level of detailed scrutiny. The welfare of participants across all combat sports must be fundamental to what we're trying to achieve."

The GFA, founded in 2022, seeks to establish itself as boxing's first trade union representing competitors at all levels. Co-founder Paul Smith, who challenged for world titles three times during his 2003-2017 career, pointed to repeated instances of fighters left without adequate support after serious injuries. The organization argues the sport's biggest stars generate massive revenue while hundreds of fighters further down the ladder struggle to make a living without proper financial security or health protections.

Smith said fighters need a system where they can turn to an organization when disputes arise with managers or when rules are breached. "We want a GFA representative to be there alongside them, ensuring they have support and someone looking after their interests," he explained.

Khan added his backing for the initiative, saying boxing needs an organization that sits above everything where fighters can turn when something goes wrong, whether in training, at a weigh-in, or in retirement. Simon Bazalgette, former Jockey Club chief executive and the GFA's chair-designate, noted that rugby, football, and horse racing have all raised welfare standards over the past decade.

The inquiry aims to publish far-reaching recommendations after completing its evidence-gathering phase.

Source: skysports.com