Public Meeting Notice  Massachusetts State Athletic Commission Meeting - 4.8.26

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A § 20, notice is hereby given that a remote meeting of the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission was held on Microsoft Teams on April 08, 2026 

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting 

Roll Call:

Discuss/Vote Approval of Meeting Minutes From March 11, 2026:

• Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from March 11, 2026, which was seconded by Commissioner Kelly. A roll call vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Executive Director Report: 

• Executive Director Bryan Freitas reported that the Boxers’ Fund current balance as of 4/06/2026 is $155,705.50

Board Counsel Report: 

• Board Counsel discussed the topic of Regulation Review. Board Counsel asked the Commission when they would like to have these review meetings. The Commission prefers during the monthly meetings, beginning in May. 

Applications:

• Daniel Urban, MMA Judge
  • After a brief conversation with the applicant, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the MMA Judge Application for Daniel Urban, which was seconded by Commissioner Navien. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
• Benjamin Warinner, Deputy Commissioner 
  • After a brief conversation with the applicant, Commissioner Navien made a motion to approve the Deputy Commissioner Application for Benjamin Warinner, which was seconded by Commissioner Miller. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Variance Request:

• Variance Request VAR26-0022 from Danny Vella for Team Boxing League 2026 events
  • Requesting variance from 523CMR 13.05 regarding post-fight physicals. Team Boxing League is requesting a variance to allow fighters to keep their gloves on between bouts and to have them removed for examination at the end of the event.
  • After a brief discussion with the requestor, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve variance VAR26-0022 as submitted, which Commissioner Navien seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Application Denial Correspondence Discussion:

• Board Counsel advised that the Commission should review a draft denial letter that was provided to them and advise if any edits should be made. Commissioner Navien made a motion to approve the draft as submitted, which Commissioner Miller seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Disciplinary Hearing for Complaints C24-00133 & C24-00218 (Alexander Sepulveda):

• The Commission began the hearing at approximately 1:20 p.m. Mr. Sepulveda did not attend the hearing, and no representatives were present. Prosecutor Seth Henderson was present and provided the Commission with an overview of the complaints and all evidence.  After discussion, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to take this matter under advisement, and Commissioner Navien seconded the motion. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.  Written decisions will be issued. 

Open session for topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting:

• A motion was made by Commissioner Navien to adjourn the public meeting and move into closed session and adjourn the meeting from there, which was seconded by Commissioner Kelly. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
• The public meeting adjourned at 1:28 p.m.

Investigatory Conference – CLOSED per M.G.L.c112, § 65C 

• C24-00132
• C26-00032

Quasi-Judicial Session – CLOSED per M.G.L.c30A, § 18(d)