This thread was started by admin for responses to the article on the News page about having some, Amateur bouts longer than 5 rounds. We look forward to your thoughts and posts on this.

My thoughts? Because an amateur fighter does not get paid, they would not be able to put in the time needed to train to go any more than five rounds. Maybe there are some exceptions but the majority of amateurs are working at a 9-5 while pro's are in the gym. I, personally, can only train when I have someone to watch my kids. It's pretty hard to bring a 9 month old to the gym with you. Now if fighting were my job, things would change a little and fighting would be my priority. JMO.

I think 5 rounds is plenty for amateurs. Besides the training issue (actually, related to it) is the safety issue. As fatigue sets in, injuries become more likely. Five rounds is usually more than enough to determine a clear winner and, when it's not, should make for an exciting rematch.

All amateur fights should be 3 rounds (Title fights included). Non-stop action is what will sell our Sport. When amateurs have to worry about going 2 more rounds. They will pace themselves and instead of fighting a 3 round sprint the fighters will:
fight/coast/fight/coast/fight....Boring.

Amateurs should not fight more than 5 rounds in any rule style. They are amateurs. What is the benefit?

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Dean "Lethal Legs" Lessei
Owner / Chief Instructor
Dubuque Martial Arts Group
Team Singto Muay Thai / Kickboxing

Unless it's an amateur tournament bout where additional rounds are needed to break a tie, five rounds should be the maximum for amateurs.

In fact, I think all amatuer championship kickboxing bouts should be five rounds instead of four, because such fights should definately be more than three rounds and an odd number of rounds to avoid more ties.

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Long live the fighters!

one of the things that is hurting the sport....at least here in the UK...is that some five rounders are 'amatuer' and some are 'pro'. Gives no reason for anyone to stay and develop as an amatuer, as it is now they just become a not so good pro cos they might as well get a little money if their going to fight the same difference. Think I agree only 3 rounders for amatuers.

i don't think amateurs should do more than 5. Even for the more experienced, 5 rounds is plenty when your not getting the $$$.

I think SOME amateur title bouts should be five rounds such as North American (USA), or equilivant in other country's as well as World titles. I think the greater the title the longer round the fight should be but not exceeding five rounds. Besides it prep's them for the pro ranks.
As far as kickboxers making a living in kickboxing, who does that? Very few and I personally know of no one that does. In the truest since of the word "pro kickboxer" there are none here in the US. That being, a fighter that makes a living from fight purses. All the "pro" fighters that I know have "real" jobs and fight on the side. I know of pro fighters that have fought for world titles for free and some even paying to bring an opponent for a title fight. Great posts from all on this subject.

Ray, Talk about "the love of the game"! Pay the oppenent and fight for free! What a moron! I heard that this guy has done it more than once too. He must be a Copeland or from North Carolina. (lol) On the subject I think 5 rounds in okay in extreme cases like the ones you stated. If you go more than that you will discourage fighters from going pro and paying to fight.
(lol) So nothing is miscontsrued here Ray always pays his pros. We are talking about another promoter.

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"The first rule of fight club is: You don't talk about fight club!"