Iowa boxing head asks for more regulations on mixed martial arts

Iowa's boxing commissioner is asking the Legislature to give him the power to regulate amateur ultimate fighting matches.

David Neil told legislators Thursday recent Iowa mixed martial arts matches resulting in injuries have convinced him state oversight is needed for amateur bouts.

Although Iowa currently licenses and regulates professional boxing and professional mixed martial arts events held in the state, it allows a well-established association to oversee amateur boxing. Neil says there are no organized Iowa group existing to provide the same structure for mixed martial arts matches.

Iowa currently requires a $5,000 surety bond for professional mixed martial arts events that seek a state license. It also requires medical records, the names of fighters under contract, the supervising doctor and the sanctioned referee.

The commissioner proposes a similar structure for amateur mixed martial arts matches.

-- Associated Press