The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) summoned Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) to a disciplinary hearing following the incidents which took place after the boxing gala on October 7, at Place Bell.
GYM was summoned for having “exercised pressure, threatened or assaulted a representative of the Régie; good reputation; competent and honest exercise; and public interest,” we can read in the notice of meeting, of which The Canadian Press obtained a copy. The date of this hearing will be set at a later date.
Groupe Yvon Michel organized the gala on October 7, during which Kim Clavel lost by split decision (the RACJ document indicates majority, but that is an error) to the double light flyweight champion, ‘Argentina Evelin Bermudez.
After this gala, according to the notice of summons, Yvon Michel and Alexandra Croft “verbally attacked and attempted to intimidate (the representative of the RACJ during the gala) Mrs. Sylvie Lécuyer and Mr. Benoit Roussel (one of the three judges of the Clavel-Bermudez fight).
The RACJ also accuses GYM representatives of having “made similar comments towards the Régie and its officials” during the press conference at the end of the evening.
However, GYM had requested on October 2 that Roussel be removed from this fight, a request which was refused the next day.
Michel, during the press briefing following the gala, mentioned statistics compiled by GYM to explain his request. He then maintained that Roussel supported opposing boxers most of the time.
The promoter also incorrectly indicated that Roussel was the only official to rule a draw in Marie-Pier Houle’s majority decision victory over Cindy Reyes Espinoza earlier the same evening. Rather, it was judge Sylvain Leblanc who gave 76 everywhere; Roussel had 77-75 in favor of the Quebecer.
Depending on what the RACJ court decides, GYM could see its license suspended or canceled; or even have their right to obtain a new license suspended for a specific period of time.
In the notice of meeting, the RACJ recalls that on July 30, 2020, the GYM permit was suspended for a period of 15 days due to a concerted fight. “In the summer (sic) of the global Covid 19 pandemic (sic), this suspension would have been 30 days,” the organization said.
On the X platform, Tuesday morning, Michel indicated that “as announced, the RACJ wants to meet me for the events which took place on October 7. I have already sent letters of apology to the RACJ and the people concerned expressing sincere regret. I intend to collaborate fully and take my responsibilities.”
As announced, the RACJ wants to meet me for the events which took place on October 7. I have already sent letters of apology to the RACJ and the people concerned expressing sincere regret. I intend to collaborate fully and take my responsibilities.
— Yvon Michel (@yvonmichelGYM) October 24, 2023