By Michael Campbell
BoxingScene.com recently reported that the Azteca America network reality television program, “Retador Azteca” attempted to hold unsanctioned boxing matches in the state of California. Click Here To Read
Armando Garcia, Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, informed us that their operation was halted on February 7 th via the delivery of a Cease-and-Desist order by CSAC inspector, Mohammed Noora, and local law enforcement.
This action was taken because there was no attempt by the show’s producers to gain licensing for the promotion of a boxing event, nor for the individual boxers, in the state of California.
Producers of the show then filmed bouts between Isaac Suárez and José Hernández, which aired on February 17 th , and between Adam Gonzalez and Brian Ramirez, which aired on March 2 nd .
Garcia has informed BoxingScene.com that Mr. Noora carefully examined the broadcasts of these bouts and has verified that both the venue and participants involved are in fact the same as he witnessed on the date he delivered the C&D injunction.
It was further confirmed that Ramirez holds a California boxer’s license that is currently expired, and that Gonzalez has not fought in four years. In fact, NONE of the eight American boxers on the show have a valid license to box in California.
In late February, the show’s producers began the process to gain proper licensing in the state of Nevada to hold boxing matches in Las Vegas, but have yet to fulfill all of the requirements.
At this time, Garcia believes that the show has violated state and federal laws, but has not levied any fines or suspensions. He said, “Right now, I just want them to come in for a hearing (with CSAC) and explain why they did what they did.”