Almost six weeks after it was sent to the Public Health office, the Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) plan for the presentation of a closed boxing gala was finally analyzed according to what the Journal de Montréal Tuesday.
In an email sent by the representative of Dr. Richard Massé to the promoter Camille Estephan, we learn that the proposal had the right to be read, but that it was refused. The reasons given are the same as at the start. Above all, there is no timetable.
“We have effectively analyzed the protocol submitted for holding professional boxing matches behind closed doors at
Quebec in July and next August ”, is it written in the missive whose The newspaper got copy.
“Currently, fighting in sports is not allowed since it involves numerous and prolonged contacts between opponents, which increases the risk of transmission of the COVID virus. “
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Dr Richard Massé
Public health
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Then, it is a question of the plan submitted by Estephan, the same which is applied by all the other promoters in the world since the revival of boxing.
“Although the protocol provides for protective measures for the athletes and for the personnel, we believe that the holding of these events is too risky at present,” it is mentioned in conclusion.
Are the public health authorities of France or Germany more courageous than those of Quebec? We can ask ourselves the question.
Reply
Promoter Camille Estephan was quick to respond to this email. He opened the machine through his lawyer.
“We deplore the fact that the Directorate General of Public Health refused to meet with Mr. Estephan before rendering his decision,” it is written.
In this long email, it is also a question of the absence of reasons to justify the refusal of the request of the boss of EOTTM.
“The public health decision is unreasonable. Your only justification is to mention that combat sports involve numerous and prolonged contacts between opponents.
Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin
Camille Estephan
Boxing promoter
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“Our request is only intended to authorize professional boxing events and not all combat sports, in a highly protected environment as indicated in our operational plan filed on May 26, 2020.
“We do not understand how public health could authorize, for example, the resumption of team sports when we know that the number of participants exposed to physical contact is much greater than an individual sport like boxing professional.
“The lack of consideration of Public Health for this sector of activity is unfortunate and will have disastrous consequences for the actors of this environment. “
At the end of the email, Estephan asks public health to review its decision. One wonders if he can have the final say on this matter. Public health seems to be on the ground for an indefinite period.
What if there were no combat sports before the fall? It is now a scenario that must be considered. It would be a big blow to the boxing industry
professional in Quebec.
Confirmed fight
On another note, Top Rank confirmed the identity of Kim Clavel’s opponent for his July 21 fight in Las Vegas.
As announced by The newspaper two weeks ago, the Québécoise will face the american Natalie Gonzalez (6-0, 1 K.-O.) in an eight round duel.
This is a golden opportunity for Clavel who could win a long-term contract with Top Rank with a good performance.
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