By Leah Murray

Combative Sports Commission reviewing policies after a fighter dies

Jun 20, 2017 | 5:11 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Combative Sports Commission is reviewing its policies and regulations after the death of an Edmonton-area fighter.

Tim Hague squared off in a boxing match against heavyweight champion Adam Braidwood on Friday night in Edmonton.

It’s being called a mismatched fight by some as Hague, a former UFC fighter, came into the match with less experience in the boxing world and a 1-2 record.

The tragic death has left some wondering if the fight should have been stopped sooner or if it should even have gone ahead in the first place.

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The City of Edmonton is now investigating whether Hague’s death could have been prevented.

Medicine Hat’s Combative Sports Commission is now also reviewing its own policies around the sports.

“We take fighter safety very seriously and if there’s something that we can learn from this situation we’ll definitely take that into regard,” said executive director Randy Taves.

Hague was knocked down four times before losing by technical knockout in the second round.

There are no rules in Edmonton or Medicine Hat’s commissions about how many times a fighter can be knocked down before a fight is stopped.

Taves said a three knockdown rule may be something for commissions to consider as they review policies.

“I think they will look at it a lot more seriously,” he said. “It’s a contact sport like many other sports and you know you’re constantly weighing the sport looking at rules and ways to improve.”

Currently for fighters who get hurt here in Medicine Hat, Taves said the commission can order fight suspensions that are industry wide.

There’s a mandatory 12-day rest period after every fight.

Fighters who are knocked out or injured normally get 30-day suspensions from fighting so they can properly recover and get medical clearance.

If the injuries are severe, or there’s a history of injury, the suspension can be extended indefinitely, which Taves said is to ensure the health and safety of the fighter.

Combative sports bylaws can vary significantly from one city to the next as they are not regulated by the province.

If the commission in Medicine Hat recommends any changes, Taves said they will likely be put in place before the next Fight Night this fall.