Exempts white collar boxing from regulation by the state boxing commission

2 Multi-sponsors

• Francine DelMonte
• Andrew Raia

BILL NUMBER:A4918A

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 912 of the laws of 1920 allowing and regulating boxing, sparring and wrestling matches, and establishing a state boxing commission, in relation to exempting white collar boxers from the provisions of such act

Purpose

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section one adds white collar boxing contests and exhibitions to the list of events which are excepted from the provisions of chapter 912 of the laws of 1920, defines white collar boxing, and places regulation of such events under the supervision of United States White Collar Boxing, Inc.

Section two establishes the effective date.

Justification

"White Collar Boxing" is the term used to refer to branch of "competitive" boxing in which athletes who are neither professional nor amateur boxers train and participate in boxing exhibitions and contests. Many of the participants are professionals such as lawyers and bankers, hence the term "white collar boxing." White collar boxing began at Gleason's, the famous Brooklyn gym, and has grown immensely both nationally and internationally. In fact, white collar boxing has become an important source of income for gyms which are facing high rents and other expenses. White collar boxers make up an overwhelming percentage of membership at many gyms (at least 80 according to Boxing News), and the entry and admission fees collected during events offer a supplemental stream of income. While popular and lucrative, white collar boxing events were never technically legal. Under current law, all boxing related events and exhibitions must be supervised by the New York State Athletic Commission, with certain exceptions. There is no specific exception for white collar boxing, and as a result, NYSAC began to shut down events it learned of, essentially dealing a death knell to white collar boxing in New York. This legislation would create an exception for white collar boxing under sponsorship of United States White Collar Boxing, Inc. By doing so, it will allow white collar boxing to return to New York, not only giving busy professionals an athletic form of stress relief but also helping to ensure the survival of boxing gyms across the state.

Legislative history

A.12058 2006, Bill Died in Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committee. A5227 2008, held for consideration in Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committee.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.