New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker has sparked controversy in New Zealand by promoting a boxing event connected to an online gambling platform. The event, dubbed the “King of the Streets,” features 32 amateur fighters competing in one-minute bouts without weight restrictions, using MMA gloves. Prominent City Kickboxing member and former champion Israel Adesanya has supported the event, encouraging Kiwis to attend and rallying family and friends to join the spectacle.
However, the tournament has faced backlash from boxing authorities in New Zealand. Billy Meehan, president of the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association, criticized the event as “straight-out thuggery,” arguing that it fails to meet the standards of professional boxing. He emphasised the dissimilarities between the tournament and legitimate boxing, such as the one-minute round structure and the potential for mismatched weight classes, which could pose serious risks to participants.
Meehan asserted that the use of four-ounce MMA gloves further increases the likelihood of injuries, urging that proper safety measures, including medical examinations and strict regulations, are vital for any boxing event. He highlighted that organisers must acquire a police permit and adhere to the Boxing and Wrestling Act, which outlines necessary protocols for sanctioned events. In his view, the current tournament setup lacks credibility and safety assurances, raising concerns over participant wellbeing and the absence of oversight from established boxing authorities.
With growing scrutiny from sports officials, the future of the “King of the Streets” tournament remains uncertain, as many contend that it undermines the integrity of combat sports in New Zealand.