Professional boxing will be allowed in Glendale under a plan approved by the City Council.
Boxing
was banned 62 years ago under the pretext that the matches would have
an “unwholesome” impact on the city. But local boxing promoter Kahren
Harutyunyan last year successfully lobbied the City Council for a test
run. His company, Art of Boxing Productions, hosted two events at the
Glendale Civic Auditorium, generating $19,342 for the venue.
Harutyunyan on Wednesday said he was glad he had the chance to demonstrate that boxing could be beneficial to the city.
“I am extremely satisfied, happy and proud with the entire process,” he said.
Other
pro fighting events, such as mixed-martial arts and kick-boxing, are still banned
under the revised ordinance, and officials made it clear that they
would continue to closely monitor planned matches.
Councilman
Frank Quintero said several measures, including physical examinations,
are taken to ensure the boxers are safe during their bouts.
“It’s sanctioned,” he said. “It’s licensed and it’s controlled. It’s not just a street fight.”
— Veronica Rocha in the Glendale News-Press