There’s been a heated controversy over fighter jet safety that stemmed from a fight in December between former NFL rerun Frank Gore and former NBA All-Star Deron Williams.
Based on Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, who recently spoke with Mike Mazzulli, President of the Association of Boxing Committees, Gore has “many white spots on the MRI of his brain.” This was discovered after being ordered to take an MRI of Gore’s brain by the Florida Athletic Commission. The third top javelin in NFL history took two MRI scans, with no issues reported going into teamfights.
“The Boxing Association came to Frank Gore’s attention when a brain MRI had a problem,” says Mazzulli. “ABC has always stood for the safety of fighter aircraft. We have a health commission ready to assist the states, and this is a case where we want them to know that we are here to help.”
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Gore fought under Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley II in Tampa, Florida, and earned $300,000 for the fight. Originally a professional competition, the fight turned into a last-minute exhibition. It was a tough four innings match that saw Williams win through a split decision. Williams has had many face-offs against Gore, including hard hits and jabs. Williams scored 48 shots compared to Gore’s 39, according to CompuBox.
Gore and his representative Malki Kawa have denied any health problems on Gore’s part. He didn’t need an MRI required by Florida, and Kawa says the committee and neuroscientists gave Gore the fight. Gore met with two neurologists and two radiologists, each of whom said he was fit to compete.
“I’m glad they asked me because I know my brain is healthy right now,” Gore continued. “A lot of guys I’ve played with can’t say the same… I got through and I talked to the doctors. They all told me there was nothing wrong with me. I have five children and I want to be there for them. I’m not crazy. Why would I risk my health and watch my kids grow up for $300,000? “
The Florida Athletic Commission has had its detractors for years. Recently, Evander Holyfield, 59, fought former UFC champion Vitor Belfort, replacing Oscar De La Hoya. The committee approved both matches. The committee recently banned Melvin Guillard from fighting after it was announced that he would be competing at KnuckleMania 2. Several YouTuber and TikTok boxing matches took place in Florida and at Eagle FC 44, a match between the YouTuber and TikTok. Tyrone Spong and Antonio Silva were approved, which was met with backlash.
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Florida has become a go-to destination for many, whether for a legal fight or an exhibition.
“What they are doing by changing the legal status of a fight from a professional boxing match to an exhibition is to exploit the technicality and reduce the liability of the fighter without any involvement. Concerning the boxer’s health and safety is going to get someone killed,” promoter Lou told DiBella. “Florida State played Pontius Pilate here and tried to wash its hands of potential responsibility. It’s hard to argue that you care about boxers when you’re willing to engage in hectic games like this. “
