CSAC Presence Felt at IFC Weigh-Ins, Bouts Changed
Weigh-in pictures
Apr 1, 2006
SACRAMENTO, March 31 — Holding true to form at Arco Arena Friday night, the California State Athletic Commission ruled with a zero tolerance policy during the long weigh-in process for the IFC’s sanctioned debut.
CSAC officials scratched fights for reasons ranging from fighters being under weight to medical suspensions not being cleared in other states.
“The Nevada State Athletic Commission contacted me at 4:30 p.m. to let us know that Shonie Carter (Pictures) needed additional clearance for a broken bone in his foot," stated IFC President Paul Smith, who is acting as matchmaker for tonight’s card. "We had no time to get that done, so that fight is off.”
Smith then wanted Carter's opponent, Jake Ellenberger (Pictures), to face Gil Castillo (Pictures). Initially, Castillo was unwilling to take such a short-notice fight. However, the welterweight and promoter agreed to terms that would have a Castillo-Ellenberger bout in the cage tonight, the IFC informed Sherdog.com.
The eleventh-hour contest now needs to be approved by CSAC Executive Officer Armando Garcia.
A light heavyweight bout between Justin Stanley (Pictures) and Keith Berry has been cancelled after Stanley came in two pounds too light for the match. While Berry weighed in at 198, Stanley missed his mark at 183 pounds. Officially, fighters in a light heavyweight bout must weigh between 185 and 205 pounds.
Due to his age, local fighter Carlos Garcia failed to complete additional medical releases necessary for his license, said Smith.
The CSAC regulated three events in addition to the IFC last night, leaving the regulatory body extremely short handed and resulting in a long delay. Fighters were told weigh-ins would begin at 7:30 p.m., yet no one stepped on the scale until 9:45.
Smith seemingly had all of his ducks in a row, but the commission, still feeling the growing pains of regulating mixed martial arts, was slow in processing paperwork from each fighter, corner man, and the IFC.
Part of the delay was a result of the officials on hand having to either call Garcia, who was at another event, or read the state’s regulations for advice.
The battle for approved gloves in California will be interesting. It seems the IFC has brought in Kikskin, with its notoriously heavy gel-filled eight-ounce glove, to sponsor the show. In a meeting on Thursday between the CSAC and IFC, Armando Garcia revealed that he favored eight-ounce gloves in the future, which may have prompted Smith's decision.
The official card now looks like this:
Sean Bassett (Pictures) vs. Dustin Akbari (Pictures)
Kyle Keeney vs. Richard Blake
Tommy Tuggle vs. Scott Lewis
Dan Evensen (Pictures) vs. Christian Wellisch (Pictures)
Del Hawkins (Pictures) vs. Randy Spence (Pictures)
Bill Hill vs. James Irvin (Pictures)
Ryan Jensen (Pictures) vs. Marlon Sims (Pictures)
Shane Johnson vs. Bobby Southworth (Pictures)
