SBW-Laundy boxing match: Labor raises safety fears over amateur ranking
A CELEBRITY boxing match between a reality TV star and former professional boxer Sonny Bill Williams could be breaching strict laws.
Boxing/MMA
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A CELEBRITY boxing match between a reality TV star and former professional boxer Sonny Bill Williams might be derailed after fears were raised in the NSW State Parliament the bout could breach strict laws.
The ALP Opposition has called for sporting authorities to investigate the “unequal” match because the permit application for the December 1 match is for an amateur match, not a professional contest.
Opposition sports spokeswoman Linda Voltz says the contest is “unsafe” because All Blacks star Williams has boxed professionally while Bachelor star and pub owner Stu Laundy has not.
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She said under strict combat safety laws, a professional boxer can only compete in a professional combat sport contest.
“I call on the Minister for Sport to immediately ensure this permit is reviewed by the department to that the requirements of the Act are met,” she said.
“How much care is being taken if this largely unequal contest is allowed to take place? It’s not safe.
“While Stuart Laundy might work out at the gym, there is nothing in his CV that suggest he should be stepping into the ring.
“Sonny Bill Williams on the other hand is an elite athlete, a ferocious and talented rugby player and former professional heavyweight boxer of New Zealand.”
Ms Voltz cited the Combat Sports Act 2013, which states that a person who has competed previously as a professional “must not be subsequently registered….for a registration class applicable to amateur combat sport contests…”
Agent Max Markson said a boxing promoter was handling the details of the legalities and “it will all be licenced properly”.
He said “there is no chance of any accidents” and invited Ms Voltz to ringside tickets to observe the match.
“I believe it will be a fantastic event, raising money for Bill Crew’s Exodus Foundation” he said.
“The fact that Sonny Bill Williams is a professional and Stuart Laundy is not does not worry me. We will be looking after our boxers.”
A spokesperson for the Combat Sports Authority last night said: “The Combat Sports Authority will ensure any contest meets the legislative requirements”