In a response to the recent calls for an end to boxing in New Zealand, Duco Events will now require all of their fights to undergo an MRI brain scan prior to any bout.
As the New Zealand Medical Association demanded a ban on boxing earlier this month following the death of Kain Parsons at a charity event in Christchurch, Duco will now include a mandatory MRI scan as part of pre-fight medical screenings, previously having only required a CT scan.
"We've always taken safety extremely seriously," said Duco director David Higgins today.
"We've very much led the way in requiring CT scans as part of the process to ensure a boxer is fit to enter the ring.
"Having observed recent tragic events in the sport, Duco has now decided to increase the threshold to include a clear MRI scan. The advice we have been given is that an MRI scan will be significantly more effective in detecting any issues that may exist, helping to ensure no boxer unwittingly puts themselves at risk of being injured in the ring."
"It is an expensive process, but it is everyone's best interests - boxers, promoters and fans - that safety in the sport is treated as paramount."
The scans will be a part of the full medical examination at the pre-fight weigh in, taking place a day before any given fight.
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