House approves bill abolishing toughman bouts

The ban was proposed by Gov. Phil Bredesen’s administration, which says the bouts are too dangerous to participants.

Rep. Joe Armstrong, D-Knoxville, said there are no standards set for competitors, so that professional athletes and martial arts experts end up fighting real amateurs. In other states, competitors have died or been badly injured, he said.

About 20 states have stopped allowing the contests.

Opponents of the bill say the sport is safer and more interesting to spectators than professional and amateur boxing.

The bill, which was approved 89-5, is supported by the Tennessee Boxing Association. It now must be considered by the Senate.

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On the Net:

Read HB3526/SB3385 at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us