Arizona reviving state boxing championship, adding MMA title

PHOENIX — The fight game is getting off the mat in Arizona, with officials announcing Thursday they were reviving the boxing state championship and establishing a state championship in mixed martial arts.

“We are really excited about the title opportunities so we can showcase the talented athletes we have here in Arizona in these unarmed combat sports,” Arizona Department of Gaming spokeswoman Caroline Oppleman told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

The Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission will develop a road map for promoters interested in hosting state championship matches, according to a news release.

Arizona first awarded a boxing championship in 1925, when Young Dutch defeated Allen Whitlow for the state featherweight title, according to the release.

The last state championship was crowned in June 2002, when Anthony Bartinelli beat Charles Davis for the super middleweight belt.

There’s never been an MMA state championship in Arizona.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

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