UFC Dealt Knockout Blow: GGG Wins the Battle For MSG
UFC Dealt Knockout Blow: GGG Wins the Battle For MSG
Gennady Golovkin has won the battle to host a fight on April 23rd in New York, after a judge has denied an injunction by the UFC.
By Roy Billington
Gennady Golovkin has just scored another monumental victory, but this time it wasn’t in the ring.
As we reported last month, Golovkin was involved in a battle for the right to hold an event on April 23rd. Both GGG and the UFC had booked Madison Square Garden for landmark shows, but it appears that the UFC’s hope of having MMA legalised in New York in time for the show has been dealt a knockout blow. According to a judge’s statement first obtained by Fightland the UFC’s injuntion has been denied:
"Plaintiff Zuffa LLC ("Plaintiff" or "Zuffa") has moved pursuant to Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for a preliminary injunction against Defendants Eric Schneiderman, in his official capacity as Attorney General of the State of New York; Vincent G. Bradley, in his official capacity as Commissioner and Chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority; and Kevin Kim, in his official capacity as Commissioner of the New York State Liquor Authority (collectively, "Defendants"). Zuffa seeks to prevent Defendants from enforcing New York's Combative Sport Law, N.Y. UNconsol. Law 8905-a, and a related provision of New York's Liquor Law, N.Y. Alco. Bev. Law 106(6-c)(a), until a trial on the merits can be held to resolve Plaintiff's constitutional challenge to those laws. For the reasons listed below, the Court DENIES Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction.The Court has decided that it should exercise Pullman abstention in this case. The Court abstains in this case, but retains jurisdiction pending a determination by a state court as to the meaning of the challenged state laws. Pullman, 312 U.S. at 501-02. Plaintiff's request for injunctive relief is DENIED without prejudice to its renewal."
This news comes on the back of Gennady Golovkin’s recent trip to the UK where he was rumoured to begin preliminary talks with Billy Joe Saunders pertaining to a title unification bout for later on this year. While in the UK, Golovkin also spoke of his willingness to fight Carl Froch, should the Brit return from retirement.
As for UFC 198, it is believed the preeminent mixed martial arts organisation will look to relocate their event, which is likely to feature the return of Jon Jones, to the Toyota Center in Anaheim, California.
While Gennady Golovkin had hoped to face Tureano Johnson on April 23rd, the heavy-hitting Bahamian, is currently nursing an injury. With just 3 months to fight time, team GGG are desperately looking to find a respectable opponent for the consensus number 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Gennady Golovkin has just scored another monumental victory, but this time it wasn’t in the ring.
As we reported last month, Golovkin was involved in a battle for the right to hold an event on April 23rd. Both GGG and the UFC had booked Madison Square Garden for landmark shows, but it appears that the UFC’s hope of having MMA legalised in New York in time for the show has been dealt a knockout blow. According to a judge’s statement first obtained by Fightland the UFC’s injuntion has been denied:
"Plaintiff Zuffa LLC ("Plaintiff" or "Zuffa") has moved pursuant to Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for a preliminary injunction against Defendants Eric Schneiderman, in his official capacity as Attorney General of the State of New York; Vincent G. Bradley, in his official capacity as Commissioner and Chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority; and Kevin Kim, in his official capacity as Commissioner of the New York State Liquor Authority (collectively, "Defendants"). Zuffa seeks to prevent Defendants from enforcing New York's Combative Sport Law, N.Y. UNconsol. Law 8905-a, and a related provision of New York's Liquor Law, N.Y. Alco. Bev. Law 106(6-c)(a), until a trial on the merits can be held to resolve Plaintiff's constitutional challenge to those laws. For the reasons listed below, the Court DENIES Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction.The Court has decided that it should exercise Pullman abstention in this case. The Court abstains in this case, but retains jurisdiction pending a determination by a state court as to the meaning of the challenged state laws. Pullman, 312 U.S. at 501-02. Plaintiff's request for injunctive relief is DENIED without prejudice to its renewal."
This news comes on the back of Gennady Golovkin’s recent trip to the UK where he was rumoured to begin preliminary talks with Billy Joe Saunders pertaining to a title unification bout for later on this year. While in the UK, Golovkin also spoke of his willingness to fight Carl Froch, should the Brit return from retirement.
As for UFC 198, it is believed the preeminent mixed martial arts organisation will look to relocate their event, which is likely to feature the return of Jon Jones, to the Toyota Center in Anaheim, California.
While Gennady Golovkin had hoped to face Tureano Johnson on April 23rd, the heavy-hitting Bahamian, is currently nursing an injury. With just 3 months to fight time, team GGG are desperately looking to find a respectable opponent for the consensus number 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.