Big Breaks and Unfair Shakes

What’s wrong in New Mexico Fight Sports In a state known as much for its scenic beauty as its MMA pedigree one has not look far to see why it’s called the land of enchantment. For fighters traveling to compete in New Mexico however, it has become the land of entrapment and a growing track record of bad calls, questionable decisions and blatant athletic commission errors has the A.B.C and a large number of fighting athletes, calling foul. Behind enemy lines Holly Holmes, unquestionably one of the top female pro boxers in the world set out to face contender Melissa Hernandez for a title bout at the Isleta Resort and Casino in 2009. The fight was not to be however after Hernandez pulled out of the fight day of show. Fearful of losing the anticipated revenue from such a large main event, the Isleta boxing commission came under intense fire soon after for essentially pulling a crowd member, Victoria Cisneros minus medicals, contract or pre-clearance of any kind and allowing her to sub in for Hernandez. Subsequently, Holmes easily dispatched the outclassed Cisneros in short order an act that had boxing purists scrutinizing the act as padding her record.

Fast forward to Shark-fights 15 in Albuquerque New Mexico, an event that promised fireworks as UFC competitor Chris Cammozzi squared off with Elite XC standout and hometown favorite “Smokin Joey Villasenor” in the main event of the evening. In a controversial decision originally concluded as a draw soon became a fiasco of inaccurate scoring and an eventual overturn in favor of Camozzi. Camozzi’s manager, frustrated yet relieved punctuated the overturn by stating publically, “Chris will never fight in New Mexico again.”

The Circus Rolls on June 2nd 2012. In the 8th and latest installment of what had become a well produced springboard for rising Jacksons products like Diego Brandao, Villasenor returned to the former Isleta resort and Casino this time to face fellow Strikeforce and IFL veteran Donnie Liles. Liles, looking hungry and on a 5 fight win streak easily dominated the first round outclassing the noted striker with smoothly executed strikes and takedowns ending the round with back control. In round 2, “Smokin Joe” managed to put together a well placed overhand right combination that scored. Liles, again driving his opponent into the fence switched from a double to single leg looking to rip his opponent off the fence but to the dismay of the latter Villasenor reached for the fence and pulled himself back to his feet a tactic that should’ve resulted in an immediate point according to the pre-fight rules meeting. The round ended in as much controversy with a late blow from the New Mexico native that went un-penalized as well.

In round 3 Liles, sensing the need for urgency began to score kicks from all angles to include and inside outside leg kicks and even a sidekick found its mark. Joey looking visibly fatigued seemed content to wait for the anticipated takedown attempt of Liles and when it happened midway into the round he again grabbed the fence to avoid being taken to the mat. Unexpected however were the incidents that followed. In an ensuing exchange Liles took what looked to be an unintentional eye poke by Villasenor yet again with not so much as a warning. Upon recovery both fighters turned it up a notch with another late hit at the end of the round this time a knee and again no penalty, decision Villasenor.

Had the referee whom the participants trust to ensure their well being taken even one point for the stream of blatant violations the outcome would and should have been different. The Isleta Pueblo Athletic commission operates with sovereign impunity, has no direct complaint forms, no defined appeals process and as of this writing calls to have the decision re-evaluated were only answered with “We will look into it, or “We are getting close.” New Mexico, having so much to offer in terms of high level local talent should be a Mecca where competitors from around the world come to test themselves against the best in a fair and equal environment. Jacksons MMA Series as a production is very well produced and offers a great potential experience for the traveling athlete, but until the local commissions can stop trading favoritism for ticket sales, camps beware. -ED