Commission notes bare-knuckle rules are effective; first bout scheduled and members discuss amateur events and officials' training

At the March 10 meeting commissioners were told that Tennessee's bare-knuckle boxing rules have become effective and that the first bare-knuckle bout in the state is scheduled for April 6.

Roxanna Gamusio, executive director, provided the update and commissioners discussed the event location (staff said it was likely in western Tennessee, not Nashville) and the promoter organization (not specified during the hearing). No public comments were made on the topic during the rulemaking portion of the meeting.

Commissioners also raised concerns about recent amateur or exhibition events held in Tennessee, including an event described by a commissioner as having participants who received checks at ringside. Commissioners asked staff to investigate whether events sanctioned as amateur contests had paid participants and whether sanctioning organizations were aware of payments. Counsel and staff agreed to follow-up with the sanctioning organizations if the Commission directs an inquiry.

Members discussed possible steps on official uniforms and training following the rule amendments. Commissioners suggested notifying licensees about ABC training resources, and discussed whether an ABC-branded polo or a state-issued patch would be an appropriate uniform standard. Staff said they would include information on training and recommended uniform sources in the notice that accompanies the final rules.

Ending: Staff will follow up on potential investigations into paid participants at amateur-sanctioned events if the Commission requests it, and will include training and uniform resources in the rule-notice materials.