Prize fights in Red Deer may be handled by the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission.
Red Deer city council will decide on Tuesday whether to enter into talks with the City of Edmonton to act as the commission to oversee the mixed martial arts, boxing and other combative sports competitions within Red Deer.
While many Alberta municipalities have their own commissions, Red Deer has relied on outside commissions. It’s illegal to host any combative sports events without a commission overseeing the competition.
Council has mulled over setting up its own commission for several years. A report from October 2012 estimated an initial cost of $35,000 capital, with ongoing operational costs of $25,000 per year.
In November 2012, council directed administration to explore partnerships with existing commissions before considering a Red Deer commission.
The city received confirmation from the City of Edmonton and its commission to explore the possibility.
Council will consider the financial implications, including the commission and the administration costs.
City administration is recommending entering into negotiations with Edmonton.