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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Marc Gergely |
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House panel approves Gergely bill updating Pa.'s boxing law
HARRISBURG, July 1 – The House State Government Committee today approved a bill state Rep. Marc Gergely introduced to update the state's boxing and wrestling laws.
Gergely said H.B. 1187 would allow the State Athletic Commission to enter into contracts with other states to supervise boxing matches in those states that do not have a similar agency to oversee such events. Current state law only allows the commission to regulate professional or amateur boxing in Pennsylvania.
"Pennsylvania has already been approached by at least one other state to regulate boxing there. This bill would allow the commission to enter into those contracts, which is in the best interest of professional boxing in Pennsylvania and across the country," Gergely said. "It will also allow the commission to regulate a boxing match at a Native American casino, which it does not have the authority to do now."
The bill would further updates the law by removing restrictions on the age of amateur boxers and allow local amateur boxing associations to set minimum age standards. The local association age rules must be approved by the State Athletic Commission.
To better respond to the trend in larger boxers and better boxing glove technology, the bill would allow the Commission to set glove regulations. Gergely said the change is necessary so the Commission can continue to keep pace with national standards and the changes among boxers and gloves. Currently there are only two categories of boxing glove weights which are based on the boxer's weight.
Gergely's bill would also allow an ambulance with an EMS crew to be present at professional wrestling matches and exhibitions. The current law mandates a physician be present.
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