The Global Fighters’ Association (GFA) has officially announced its first public initiative – a nationwide series of roundtable discussions designed to tackle long-standing issues in boxing and combat sports, starting with professional judging.
After nearly a year of planning, the GFA – a newly formed, independent organisation representing fighters, workers, and fans – confirmed it will kick off its 12-month ‘Select Committee’-style programme in May. The first session will zero in on scoring standards, one of the sport’s most contentious and controversial topics in recent years.
The GFA says the opening roundtable will commission an independent review into how fights are scored, how decisions are reviewed, and how greater transparency and consistency can be achieved. Co-founder and former world title challenger Paul Smith Jr. said:
“It’s time for fighters to have a seat at the table. For too long, those taking the punches have had the least say. These roundtables are about asking the tough questions, with the right people in the room, and making sure the answers lead to real change.”
Broadcast journalist and co-founder Nick Peet added:
“This isn’t about finger-pointing – it’s about proper reform. If we want the sport to thrive globally, we’ve got to get the foundations right. That starts with listening to those who live it every day.”
Each roundtable will be led by independent legal professionals and involve a broad range of voices, including former fighters across all levels and disciplines. Judges and referees will also have their say alongside promoters, broadcasters, and gym owners. Finally, there will be medical, financial, and legal experts present.
The GFA confirmed that while reports and recommendations will be published after each session, no outcomes have been predetermined.
The Topics for the First Roundtable centre around transparency and consistency in scoring and will look at training and qualifications for judges, standards for post-fight scoring reviews and structured models for independent scoring oversight.
The Global Fighters’ Association CIC is a new, independent not-for-profit organisation built to represent everyone in the combat sports ecosystem, from pro fighters and trainers to cutmen, officials, and fans. A public launch is planned for later this year. As well as judging, the group intends to tackle medical safety, anti-doping, fighter pay, post-career assistance and community inclusion.
