The Combat Sports Commission has rejected an application to revive bareknuckle fighting in WA. Photo: George Cruikshank 1811.
Just as shadow WA Sports minister Peter Rundle finished a round of media interviews expressing strong opposition to a bareknuckle fighting event, it was cancelled.
Around 4.55pm on Thursday the Combat Sports Commission emailed to say it had declined the permit application for next month’s proposed bareknuckle fight contest in Perth.
“The decision was based on careful consideration in line with the Act, as the Commission is required to do for all its permits,” a spokesperson said.
“After careful consideration, the Board was not satisfied the event met the required criteria.”
Mr Rundle welcomed the news.
“This so-called ‘sport’ has no place in a civilised society and I’m relieved that our state won’t be sanctioning such a violent and morally repugnant spectacle,” he said.
“Last week in Parliament I called on the Premier to act, but disappointingly Premier Cook refused to take a stand.
“While the State Government failed to show leadership, I acknowledge that Combat Sports Australia has ultimately made the rational and responsible decision to decline the permit application.”
At a Paraburdoo press conference today Premier Roger Cook said there would be no “blanket ban” on such sports.
“We’ve done what we’ve always said that we’ll do which is rely upon the advice from the Combat Sports Commission,” he said.
“They are the ones that have the knowledge to be able to make the calls in relation to the conduct of these sort of activities in a lawful and safe way.
“They’ve made a call and we respect that.”
