Amateur boxers will not wear headguards for the first time in Bermuda for many years when they step into the ring tonight at The Fairmont Southampton.

The controversial decision for amateurs aged 18 or above to box without headguards is in accordance with a rule change made by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) last year.

Male boxers at last summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow did not wear headguards for the first time since they were introduced before the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Research has indicated that headgear increased the likelihood of a concussion by allowing boxers to absorb more blows than they would without it.

Five amateur bouts will feature on the undercard of Teresa Perozzi’s IBA world middleweight title defence against challenger Kali Reis from Rhode Island, including Corey Boyce and Tyler Christopher from Controversy Boxing Gym in Hamilton.

Boyce said that headguards hindered his peripheral vision and was more than happy not to have to wear one.

“I prefer not wearing a headguard because you get better peripheral vision and the strap sometimes chokes you,” said Boyce, who plays for Robin Hood in the Premier Division and the Bermuda rugby sevens team.

“I really don’t mind not wearing one it’s just something we have to deal with.”

Boyce will be looking for his third straight win against Canadian Drew Geoghegan, after defeating Shannon Ford, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, and Trey Simons, of Controversy Gym, in his previous boxing bouts.

“I’ve been playing a lot of football, so my fitness isn’t too bad,” Boyce said.

“I feel pretty confident considering my last opponent [Shannon Ford] was pretty good.

“It’s going to be different fighting someone overseas as I don’t know too much about him. I’ll just prepare the best I can.”

Geoghegan, of the MAS Academy of Martial Arts in Ontario, lost a split decision to Khalid Pitcher, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, at Teachers Rugby Fight Night XVI in April.

Christopher, 18, will be making his amateur debut against Alpher Xian, of Bermuda Karate Institute, in the opening bout of the night.

He also said that he was not worried about the lack of headguards.

“I’m down with no headgear — that’s not a problem for me,” Christopher said.

“I’m feeling good and I’ve got the sparring in. I think my opponent will have problem on his hands.”