New Zealand’s Boxing Coaches Association President Slams “King of the Streets” Tournament
In a surprising turn of events, the president of the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association, Billy Meehan, has come out swinging against an upcoming boxing tournament in the country. The event, named “King of the Streets,” is set to feature 32 amateur fighters battling it out for a chance to win a whopping $50,000. However, Meehan has dubbed the tournament as “straight-out thuggery,” expressing serious concerns about the safety of the fighters involved.
The tournament, which is being promoted by professional mixed martial arts fighter Dan “Hangman” Hooker and endorsed by UFC fighter Israel Adesanya, is already causing quite a stir in the combat sports community. With no weight limits and no professionals allowed to participate, competitors will engage in one-minute “scraps” wearing MMA gloves. Meehan, however, is not convinced that this event should be classified as boxing, citing the lack of regulation and potential for serious injuries.
Speaking to Checkpoint, Meehan raised alarm bells about the nature of the tournament, highlighting the stark differences between traditional boxing and the “street scrap” being promoted. He emphasized that the rules and safety measures in professional Olympic-style boxing, such as the mandatory use of 10- or 12-ounce gloves, are crucial in preventing serious harm to the fighters. Meehan also pointed out the absence of proper regulations for the event, noting that organisers must have a police permit and adhere to the rules outlined in the Boxing and Wrestling Act.
The implications of allowing fighters to compete without weight restrictions are dire, according to Meehan. He expressed concerns about mismatched opponents facing off against each other, potentially leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. In sanctioned boxing tournaments, every fighter undergoes a full medical check before stepping into the ring, ensuring that they are physically fit to compete. With the rise of similar events across New Zealand, Meehan urged for stricter regulations and proper oversight to protect the fighters and uphold the integrity of the sport.
As the controversy surrounding the “King of the Streets” tournament continues to grow, Meehan’s outspoken criticism serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and regulation in combat sports. With the line between entertainment and endangerment becoming increasingly blurred, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the rising trend of underground fighting events. One thing is clear: in the world of boxing, the stakes are high, and the consequences of negligence can be devastating.