Expert: Lian Shoemake - 6/8/2008

Question
I think is time that the corresponding agencies of boxing, to establish height limits.
Mainly for the light weights. When I noticed the height of Paul Williams (practically 6’2”), I realized that is an enormous disadvantage for the other boxers, most of them are between 5’6” and 5’10”. This Paul is to be boxing like 160 lbs.
What do you think?


Answer
Hi Fane,

Interesting idea. I respectfully disagree, because then boxers who fall outside of an arbitrary height limit would be forced to fight at a higher weight against naturally larger opponents, putting themselves at an enormous disadvantage. You referenced Paul Williams, and I'm assuming your thoughts are inspired by his destruction of Carlos Quintana on Saturday.
However, remember that Saturday's bout was a rematch of a fight in which Quintana defeated the taller Williams.
Height restrictions would have probably denied us most of Thomas Hearns' great bouts, some of which he lost to shorter opponents (Leonard, Hagler).
I hear your point, but height is not an insurmountable obstacle, nor is it an enormous disadvantage for boxers who have the tools to deal with it, in my opinion.

Thanks so much for writing, Fane!

Regards,
Lian