2021 ABC Conference agenda set for Orlando; discussion topics and guest speakers announced

After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) is set to hold its yearly conference for the first time since 2019 – and the 33rd time overall.

The 2021 ABC Conference is set to take place over the span of five days, from Saturday, July 24, to Wednesday, July 28, at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Fla. The first two days will feature referee and judge classes taught by seasoned MMA official Kevin MacDonald, while the second three will entail the presentations, meetings, and guest speakers for ABC commission members from around the country.

According to Mohegan Tribe commission director of athletic regulation and former ABC president Mike Mazzulli, all fighters are welcome to attend the referee and judging classes and/or the ABC meetings themselves (free of cost).

On Monday, July 26 speakers include ABC president Brian Dunn, referee John English, Dr. Michael Schwartz, Dr. Nitin Sethi, and WWE’s Rich Hering. Topics for the day include a retired fighters’ pension fund, boxing/MMA after the COVID-19 pandemic, what commissions should know about pre-fight medical testing, boxing and MMA rule committee updates, and tribal commissions/issues.

On Tuesday, July 27 speakers include Nik Lentz, first vice president of the WBO John Duggan, Dr. Warren Wang, Dr. Wayne Lee, Mohegan Tribe director of athletic regulation Mike Mazzulli, ABC database regulators Kirik Jenness and Chris Palmquist, and former Bellator star “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal. Topics for the day include weight-cutting and its complications, orthopedic injuries, and officer elections.

On Wednesday, July 28, speakers include Dr. Don Muzzi, former boxing star Nate Campbell, former UFC fighter Spencer Fisher, longtime MMA manager and promoter Monte Cox, and UFC hall of famer Pat Miletich. Topics for the day include concussions in combat sports, bare-knuckle boxing committee formation and rules meeting, MMA before regulation, and the annual closing banquet.

Check out the full 2021 ABC Conference agenda here (updated: July 8, 2021).