Setting the Record Straight

UTW asked Joe Miller, director of the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, to explain his role in regulating amateur boxing matches, like Guts Church's Fight Night VI on Sept. 21.

Guts Fight Night VI was an amateur boxing event, which ended in the death of George Clinkscale, 24, a few hours later.

People have made a fuss over Guts Church not applying for or receiving a permit to hold a boxing event. Miller said people are confused "because they don't understand that the commission has no jurisdiction or authority over the event that occurred at Guts Church."

Or any other amateur boxing events in Oklahoma. Amateur event-holders must seek sanction through USA Boxing, Miller said.

The Boxing Commission, which Miller called a "one-man office," only "sanctions and regulates 'professional' boxing, wrestling and MMA (mixed-martial arts)," he said. "The only amateur sport we regulate is MMA."

To apply for a professional wrestling or boxing event permit, the applicant must have a promoter license.

GAVIN ELLIOTT

On Oct. 1, luchadors battled in downtown Tulsa during the second annual Luchapalooza held by Elote, a local Mexican restaurant.

The colorful wrestling event, in contrast to Guts Fight Nights, was sanctioned and had two commission inspectors present during the bouts.

Elote co-owner Jeremy Auld holds a promoter license and has gotten permits for Luchador Nights and for Luchapalooza.

Miller emailed copies of approved permits for Luchador Nights on July 7, July 21, Aug. 4, Aug. 18, Sept. 1 and for Luchapalooza on Oct. 1.

So what's the big difference between an event like Luchapalooza and a Guts Fight Night? Well, the fighters themselves.

Elote's masked luchadors must get a professional wrestling license before throwing down in the ring, while none of the participants involved in Fight Night VI had licenses, Miller said.

The Fight Night's referee, Samuel Adams, and judges were not licensed and had no certifications, Miller said.

The commission's attorney has decided they can't prosecute a case against people involved with Guts Fight Nights.

On Thursday morning, Miller tried to contact Guts Church. He got a recording. When he finally talked to someone, she told him someone would call him back.

He wasn't able to speak to anyone until Wed., Sept. 28 -- seven days after the tragic incident occurred.

"They didn't really have anything to offer as a defense of it," he said. "They don't believe it was an illegal event. We have a little differing opinion there.

"I feel really bad for the kid," Miller said. "Combative sports are inherently dangerous and when you do them without the proper regulation, it's just a time bomb."

Send all comments and feedback regarding City to jlloyd@urbantulsa.com