2023 Highlights

• SACB regulated a professional MMA event held on May 6, 2023, which was the largest ticket gate for any sporting event ever held at the Prudential Center in Newark. The event featured the UFC’s 288th event. The SACB also regulated a professional boxing event held on April 8, 2023, which was the second largest ticket gate for a professional boxing event ever held at the Prudential Center. The event featured Newark, New Jersey native, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, and World Champion Professional Boxer, Shakur Stevenson.
• SACB awarded grant funding in the amount of $65,000 each for two New Jersey amateur boxing programs serving eligible at-risk youth participants in Atlantic City and Trenton. Aside from their boxing skills training and competitions, youths aged 11-18 years participate in educational workshops as well as field trips and mentoring group sessions that focus on life skills training and career development. Youths also receive case management services that help to track participants’ progress and assist them with identifying and obtaining the resources necessary for healthy, successful development into productive individuals upon adulthood.
• In 2023, SACB conducted seminars for all New Jersey-licensed combative sports judges and referees in January and ringside physicians in October. The seminars featured presentations about industry standards, practices, and regulatory requirements as well as participation in live demonstrations, mock exercises, and lively discussions.