The Shine Fights lightweight GP was scheduled for this Friday in the city of Fairfax, State of Virginia. However, due to a disagreement between the State Professional Boxing and Wrestling Program and the show's organizers, the event was canceled yesterday. The problem encountered by the Program commissioners was the involvement of fans in preparing the card for the first round of the GP, which goes against the current rules of the regulatory body.
To address this issue, Shine Fights Chief Operating Officer Jason Chambers moved the GP to the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma. But Chambers was surprised last night with the information that the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission also did not sanction Shine on its territory. The members of the Commission highlighted that they have no involvement so far with the holding of the GP, therefore, all athletes involved are suspended from competitions for at least 60 days for participating in a non-sanctioned event. Suspensions can last up to 90 days and prevent fighters from competing in any MMA event sanctioned by an Athletic Commission until the deadline has passed.
The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission also reinforced that it has no involvement in the planning of the GP in question. According to the commissioners, the organization does not have the power to guarantee the payment of fighters if the event is not held.
On the other hand, Chambers assured that he has funds to ensure the payment of fighters' scholarships if the event is not held. A factor that contributed to the failure of the Oklahoma Athletic Commission to regularize the event were the incidents that occurred in May of this year, when the third edition of the event was canceled a few hours before the start, due to legal problems with businessman Don King, which prevented boxer Ricardo Mayorga from debuting in MMA. If Shine does not fulfill its duties, there is no body that can demand payment from the fighters.
Chambers stressed that his fighters will not suffer any suspension, contrary to the commissioners' statements. According to them, the event will only be sanctioned when Chambers proves that the GP complies with the rules of the Oklahoma Athletic Commission, which have been in force in the state for more than a year. Without the approval of the Athletic Commission, the Shine organization will hardly be held responsible if an incident occurs during the fights. Despite the non-approval of the event, the Shine organization continues to work hard to hold the GP this Friday. The fights scheduled for the first round of the GP are:
Drew Fickett vs. Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett
Marcus Aurelius vs Dennis Bermudez
Carlos Prater vs Rich Crunkilton
Kyle Baker vs James Warfield
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