League attempts a makeover for boxing

BEIJING - The ugliness of a boxer getting punched square in the head will get a little more clearer for spectators of the inaugural China League of Boxing season.

Transparent helmets will be used in the new league that kicks off on April 27 in Beijing. Boxers will also be required to use a vest and thicker gloves, standards in amateur boxing. It will be a first in the sport's history for boxers to don transparent helmets. League officials say it will improve the appreciation of the sport.

Chang Jianping, the boxing chief in China and vice chairman of the International Amateur Boxing Association, expects the newly designed device to not only benefit the domestic league, but also better promote amateur boxing and other sports worldwide that use headgear.