Texas to start screening boxers for HIV infection

Boxers and other combative-sports participants in Texas will have to pass blood tests for HIV and hepatitis infections beginning on January 1 in order to take part in any event under a new statewide regulation. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation will appoint a medical advisory board for combative sports to recommend additional safety standards for fighters, ringside officials, and physicians, determining such issues as how long a fighter must wait between bouts after a knockout. The Texas legislature called for the new rules and blood testing in the spring. The regulations apply to combative sports such as boxing, kickboxing, or elimination tournaments. The rules do not apply to football or hockey, said agency spokesman Patrick Shaughnessy.