Iowa City Council considers amateur boxing match at liquor store for first time in 10 years

The city council unanimously passed an amendment to an ordinance that previously barred amateur boxing events from being held at licensed establishments.

After more than a decade of bans, the city of Iowa has decided to allow amateur boxing matches at the Graduate Hotel after the Iowa City Council approved an amendment to a city ordinance banning amateur boxing at licensed establishments. may allow.

of ordinance It was introduced in 2007 following an incident at a “Fight Night” at the Union Bar. It is revealed that an experienced fighter fought an inexperienced, possibly drunk fighter. agenda state.

The proposed amendment would add an exception for amateur boxing matches sanctioned by USA Boxing.

Initial deliberations on this ordinance passed unanimously. The ordinance will officially enter into force after a second hearing and final vote.

The proposed amendment is a recent American Rescue Planning Act Grants Awarded to think iowa city Established by the City of Iowa City to host the Golden Globe State Championship Boxing Tournament at the Graduate Hotel.

golden globe is a program that operates regulated amateur boxing matches and tournaments in the United States.

Because the Graduate Hotel is licensed to sell alcohol, the event can only be held if the ordinance banning amateur boxing in licensed establishments is changed.

“This is not the type of event the city intended to ban by banning amateur bouts in 2007,” the agenda said. “Golden Globe events are highly regulated and well run, and are unlikely to introduce the negative externalities seen in previous ‘Fight Night’ events. ”

The amendment caught the attention of Iowa City officials. Clifton Johnson, He is the owner of Jim ICOR Boxing in the City of Iowa, Vice President of the Iowa Golden Globes, and a member of the Iowa City Temporary Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

City Councilman Pauline Taylor appreciated Johnson and the opportunities this event brings to Iowa City.

“I have a lot of respect for Cliff and what he’s done for the youth and young men in this community, so from a health and safety standpoint, I think we’ll be fine,” Taylor said. .

Mayor Bruce Teague agrees with this sentiment and hopes the event will serve as a catalyst for similar events in the future.

“I agree that young people here will benefit from this on many levels, but we also have older people who participate in boxing activities, which I think is great.” I hope there will be more opportunities for the arena to shine.”