A recent boxing showcase in Brooklyn, promoted by British company BoxRaw and The Ring magazine, has sparked safety concerns after videos emerged showing a club fighter being knocked down by illegal blows without a referee present. The event, held on 11 July at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse, was billed as 'Live Pro Sparring' but critics say it resembled a fight club.
Footage shows fighter Jacob Solis being struck by world-class boxer Marquis Taylor, including illegal punches to the back of the head. Solis collapsed to the canvas with no referee intervention, and struggled to rise unaided. The crowd and livestream commentator appeared to enjoy the action.
BoxRaw's website promotes Sparring Club with the slogan 'This is kill or be killed.' Social media posts advertising the event promised fighters a chance to be selected for the Canelo vs Crawford undercard, and a trainer described it as a 'tryout' where making an impression meant knocking out an opponent.
USA Boxing, the governing body for amateur boxing in the US, had warned members against participating in the unsanctioned event. In a 14 June memorandum, it stated that 'sparring as entertainment' is prohibited and that participants risked losing their eligibility. A further email on 10 July stressed that unsanctioned events lack safety protocols, oversight, and insurance.
The incident has reignited debate about the boundaries between sparring and competition, and the responsibilities of promoters in ensuring fighter safety.
