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Time of India

Fight Club, Dan Hooker's $50K MMA event sparks police heat, online bets, and bloodsport frenzy

Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A controversial underground fighting event in Auckland has drawn sharp criticism from boxing authorities and prompted police scrutiny over safety and legality concerns. Police are trying to speak with the organisers of an amateur fighting competition expected to take place in Auckland on Saturday(May 24).The event, dubbed "King of the Streets," is promoted by New Zealand mixed martial arts fighter Dan "Hangman" Hooker. Scheduled for Saturday, it features 32 amateur fighters competing in one-minute bouts without weight divisions, wearing 4-ounce MMA gloves, for a winner-takes-all prize of $50,000. Police have expressed concerns about the event's compliance with legal requirements. A spokesperson stated, "Police will look at any options available to us should an event proceed that has the potential to put public safety at risk or that would be operating in breach of any law.""It's worth reminding people that organising events comes with certain responsibilities and requirements under law. These requirements are in place for good reason," police New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association has condemned the tournament. President Billy Meehan described it as "straight-out thuggery," highlighting the lack of medical oversight, absence of weight classes, and the use of MMA gloves as significant safety concerns. He warned, "We're going to see somebody get seriously hurt, if not killed." The event is also reportedly linked to an online gambling platform called "TheDoctor." Promotions have included unconventional tactics, such as a treasure hunt for tickets involving a metal plate from Hooker's previously broken arm, which contained the event's location details. Hooker and fellow UFC fighter Israel Adesanya have actively promoted the event despite the backlash. Adesanya encouraged attendance, saying, "Bring the family, bring the whānau, bring everyone, come watch, you'll get knocked out or knock someone the f--- out."