Match-fixing and insider betting has always been a dark part of the sport that we all love today and it would be naïve to suspect that such bouts have been completely irradiated in modern boxing. In Ontario, Canada, suspicions surrounding a recent contest has resulted in a decision to refuse bets on bouts sanctioned by the World Boxing Association (WBA).
The fight in question is Yoenis Tellez’s (7-0) final-round stoppage victory over Livan Navarro (15-2) back in December on the Jake Paul versus Andre August undercard in Orlando – a victory which saw the Cuban rise to seventh and tenth in the WBC and WBA rankings respectively.
Yet, igamingbusiness.com reports of the decision taken by ACGO, who are unsatisfied by the WBA’s regulations in regard to the possibilities of match-fixing and insider trading, noting how Tellez’s manager, Eduardo Perez, was able to stake a six-figure wager on the fight going beyond five rounds.
“The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has ordered all licensees in the Canadian province to stop offering and accepting bets on World Boxing Association (WBA) events due to concerns over integrity.
The measure is effective immediately in Ontario and covers betting on all World Boxing Association events and contests.
AGCO took the decision after ruling WBA-sanctioned boxing matches are not adequately being safeguarded against match-fixing and insider betting. This followed a comprehensive review of suspicious wagering activity on a particular WBA-sanctioned title fight.
During the bout between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro, suspicious betting patterns lasting over five and a half rounds were reported to AGCO by two registered independent integrity monitors and detected in Ontario by a registered igaming operator.
Media reports also alleged Tellez’s manager bet $110,000 (£64,300/€75,085/US$79,822) at a Florida casino on the match lasting over five and a half rounds. The fight ended with Tellez knocking out Navarro in the 10th round.”
The Wall Street Journal claims that Perez originally attempted to bet $500,000 on this selection, but instead had to settle for his $110,000 bet before Tellez took to the ring and took the bout to the tenth and final round.
Tellez has previously sparred Canelo Alvarez in preparation for the Mexican’s clash with Jermell Charlo last year and the ironically nicknamed ‘Bandolero’ – Spanish for an outlaw or bandit – will return to action this weekend as he fights undefeated American Joseph Jackson (19-0) in the headline attraction of another event at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Friday April 26th.
This is not the first time that the ACGO has banned betting on combat sport, with a similar instance occurring with the UFC in December 2022, although that ban only lasted weeks and came to an end once the MMA franchise amended its policies.
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