ABC-7’s Request For Fight Decision Documentation Denied
The University of Texas System has denied ABC-7’s request for documents related to the risk assessment that led to the initial cancellation of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andy Lee fight at the Sun Bowl.
The response details the reasons denying ABC-7’s request, including continuing security concerns and even fear of retaliation against those who made the decision to cancel the fight before overturning it.
“(El Paso law enforcement)can’t even get answers,” Mayor John Cook said, pointing out the City of El Paso’s request for documentation from the UT System was also denied. “And you know why, because there is no threat. It’s pretty frustrating, pretty frustrating.”
The UT System response states: “It is our position that the marked documents are confidential and privileged from disclosure and discovery under 552.107 of the Texas Government Code.”
It goes on to explain the code, stating: “The potential threats and dangers discussed in the marked responsive documents are still very much relevant and their release would undermine both UTEP’s and System’s efforts to secure the UTEP campus.”
Top Rank Boxing event coordinator Lester Bedford had little to say about the UT System’s denial of the documents. He was more concerned with UT Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa’s requirement to triple the normal security.
“We had no security concerns before everything and we still don’t have any security concerns,” Bedford said. “We’re probably spending about three times the amount of money on security than we typically would for an event like this.”
Another reason given by the UT System for denial of the documentation was concern about retaliation against UT System officials from El Pasoans.
“There’s a lot of people upset about it, I’m sure,” Bedford said. “But I doubt very seriously that there were people threatening.”
Cook had this to say about the retaliation comment: “They’re just further solidifying the wall they’ve built between the El Paso community and the UT System.”
Cook indicated that he’s sending Cigarroa a T-shirt stating: “The Fight is on in America’s Safest City: El Paso!” He’s also sending the UT Chancellor a six-pack of Tecate, which is sponsoring the fight.
Both Cook and Top Rank promoters said their efforts to lift the Chancellor’s alcohol ban on the fight continue.
