The City of Edmonton announced a reviewer had been chosen to investigate a boxing match, held in Edmonton in June that resulted in the death of a local boxer.
Tim Hague died following his match against former Edmonton Eskimo Adam Braidwood on June 16.
Hague suffered a knockout blow after two rounds, he left the ring under his own power – but was later rushed to hospital. He had brain surgery there, but succumbed to his injuries the following afternoon.
The day after his death, the City announced a review would be carried out, and it didn’t take long for critics to question how the fight happened, as Hague had reportedly pushed to go up against Braidwood after two other fighters dropped out.
In the 18 months leading up to the fight, Hague had suffered two knockouts that were not recorded on his official fight log.
On Friday, the city announced MNP LLP had been chosen to conduct the review. The announcement said the accounting, tax and business consulting firm would examine facts related to the match, and come up with recommendations to improve safety at any future combative sports events.
The city said administration worked with the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission, the organization appointed by City Council that sanctioned the match, to choose the reviewer through a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Mayor Don Iveson spoke to CTV News about the process before MNP LLP was announced as the reviewer.
“It was a long process, to make sure that we had the right terms of reference and hired the right firm that would be impartial,” Iveson said. “Again, we owe it to Mr. Hague and his family to ensure that the investigation isn’t rushed but has integrity.”
The review is set to start immediately, and will be finished in the fall – recommendations are expected to be released publicly “subject to any legislative requirements to protect the privacy of affected individuals”.
