The Association of Boxing Commissions has carefully evaluated the Coronavirus crisis. The ABC is following the governmental and health guidelines for group meetings, just as each Commission is doing. Further, as a group made up of officials of the various states and tribal governments, all of those travel guidelines must also be taken into consideration.
The 32nd Annual Conference scheduled for July 23-July 30 in Sacramento must, we regret to report, be canceled as it is clear there is too much risk for everyone involved – attendees, instructors and staff. It is the first time in 32 years the Association of Boxing Commissions must cancel its one and only annual conference.
Health experts are advising against large meetings. Many states and other governments have already canceled travel out-of-borders through the summer. Under California’s current six steps to return-to business, there is a probability that California’s own guidelines will forbid a meeting of our size at any place in the state on our required dates, but in any case the necessary travel arrangements and planning simply cannot take place at this time due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We note in this connection that California Governor Newsom has stated publicly that gatherings the size of the ABC conference are “not in the cards” in California for this summer.
The ABC will refund all registrations received for the 2020 Conference and hope all in the combative sports industry can weather this health crisis.