The GYM group did not wait for the report of coroner Jacques Ramsay to ensure that it would not have to relive an unfortunate incident like the one that took the life of boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata.
• Also read: KO Death of a Mexican Boxer: A Coroner Recommends the Introduction of Neuropsychological Tests for Entry into the Ring
Promoter Yvon Michel, who was behind the gala where the Mexican was injured, states that GYM has established a very clear internal rule that will be maintained.
“We never again used the services of a foreign boxer who had suffered a knockout. in his last fight,” he said during a video conference.
Among his recommendations, the coroner names a boxer who suffered a knockout. in his final fight committed to providing a full description of the event including the production of a video if available.
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata had been abused during her previous fight, which ended in a referee stoppage, fifteen weeks before her confrontation with Marie-Pier Houle.
“I know the video of his last fight was available much later. If we had had access to it, I am not sure if we would have organized this fight,” admitted Yvon Michel, who also advocated imposing neuropsychological tests on new boxers so that they could serve as a point of comparison after a possible knockout.
Relieved
Yvon Michel was visibly relieved that he was not blamed.
“We knew we had done everything we needed to do, but we were eager to hear recommendations and insights from someone who had a different perspective than us.”
Michel admits that reading the report brought back very bad memories.
“It reminded me of the most difficult experience of my career with Adonis Stevenson. We know this can happen in boxing, but it’s never happened to me. “It was very difficult for me in the hours that followed and during the funeral in Aguascalientes, Mexico.”
RACJ reaction
Régie des alcools, des courses et de jeux (RACJ) spokesperson and litigation director Me Joyce Tremblay was contacted by the Journal and said the organization welcomed the report.
“We will work hard to implement the recommendations contained in the report. This requires certain changes in martial arts law.
Among other things, it refers to the recommendation to require neuropsychological tests for boxers applying for a new professional license and those who have suffered a knockout.
It was impossible to speak to Marie-Pier Houle, who was not available to comment on the report.
Widespread
After her previous fight in Mexico, Jeanette Zacarias Zapata was suspended for 60 days by the State Sports Commission of Aguascalientes for suffering a knockout, which is widespread worldwide.
“It’s a suspension that’s required in most places and when you suffer a second knockout. Within a year it can last up to 120 days or more if the officials consider that the boxer needs it,” explains Yvon Michel, who mentions that there is a register for these suspensions.
This incident is reminiscent of the death of boxer David Whittom, who died in March 2018 around ten months after a knockout. against Gary Kopas, who left him in a neurovegetative state after a cerebral hemorrhage.
However, it should be noted that the RACJ had placed numerous medical restrictions on him due to KO. Precedents that had led him to take part in that fatal battle in Fredericton, New Brunswick.