The permits of the Yvon Michel Group (GYM) will be suspended for two months, announced the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec following a hearing which took place Tuesday morning.
In addition, the RACJ indicated that Yvon Michel himself will not be able to attend his group’s galas or the boxers’ weigh-ins for six additional months, until mid-September.
The vice-president of GYM, Alexandra Croft, will also have to be absent from the galas for the same period, but will be able to attend the weigh-in of the boxers.
This was announced by the administrative judge of the RACJ, Natalia Ouellette, during a videoconference which took place Tuesday morning. No comments were made by the RACJ.
The RACJ had summoned 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 “exerted pressure, threatened or assaulted a representative of the Régie; good reputation; competent and honest exercise; and public interest,” could we read in the notice of meeting of which The Canadian Press obtained a copy last October.
GYM 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 two-time light flyweight champion, Argentina. Evelyn Bermudez.
After this gala, according to the notice of summons, Michel and Croft “verbally attacked and attempted to intimidate [la représentante de la RACJ lors du gala] Mrs. Sylvie Lécuyer and Mr. Benoit Roussel [l’un des trois juges du combat Clavel-Bermudez] “.
The RACJ also accused GYM representatives of having “made similar remarks 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.
In the notice of meeting last October, 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 19 (sic) pandemic, this suspension would have been 30 days,” the organization indicated.
On the X platform, in October, 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. »
GYM permits are suspended until March 14, but the organization will resume service as soon as it finds them.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Michel indicated on the social network X that GYM would present three galas at the Montreal Casino, including the first on March 14. The other two will be held on April 4 and May 16.