(MAR 27) This week WBAN received a press release, in regards to the The California State Athletic Commission suspending the authorization previously given to USA Boxing to regulate amateur boxing in California pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 18646.The following is their release:  

Statement by Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission

Amateur Boxing in California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2009
CONTACT:
Luis Farias
Russ Heimerich
Following is a statement by Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, regarding amateur boxing in California:

"Effective Monday, March 23, 2009 the California State Athletic Commission suspended the authorization previously given to USA Boxing to regulate amateur boxing in California pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 18646.

The temporary suspension will remain in effect until CSAC has fully investigated numerous allegations concerning regulation of the sport by USA Boxing and its local affiliates. As previously reported in the press, young children, many under the age of sixteen and some as young as eight, have been fighting in private clubs for entertainment purposes. At these fights, it has been alleged that gambling and drinking took place, and that parents of children were told not to attend."

"The Commission is concerned that the safety and fairness standards set forth and overseen by the national office of USA Boxing are inadequate to properly protect the health and safety of amateur fighters in California."

"USA Boxing maintains a monopoly on fighters wishing to participate in the Olympic Games. Commissioner Noonan has indicated that if USA Boxing's authority to regulate amateur boxing in California is revoked, the Commission will work closely with the California Legislature to examine whether or not to amend Business and Professions Code section 18702 in order to allow youth participants under 16 years of age to participate in amateur tournaments. The Commission will also work closely with the United States Olympic Committee to ensure that California's amateur boxers will be able to participate in qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games."

"The Commission has asked USA Boxing officials to submit written and/or oral argument as to why USA Boxing's authorization to regulate amateur boxing should not be permanently revoked at the Commission's next meeting, currently scheduled for April 13 -14, 2009 in Los Angeles. Commission staff will have no further comment until such time as the Commission makes a final determination as to the status of USA Boxing in California.