Public Meeting Notice  Massachusetts State Athletic Commission Meeting - 8.12.26

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Meeting ID: 292 086 445 672 4 

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Phone conference ID: 990 354 190# 

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 will be held on August 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm. 

If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, please contact Cheryl Yebba at 617-701-8711. While the Board will do its best to accommodate you, certain accommodations may not be available if requested immediately before the meeting.

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 August 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm. 

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting

1. Roll Call

2. Discuss/Vote Approval of Meeting Minutes from July 08, 2026
   1. Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 08, 2026, which was seconded by Commissioner Navien. A roll call vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
3. Executive Director Report
   1. Executive Director Bryan Freitas reported that the Boxers’ Fund current balance as of 8/10/2026 is $163,137.99.
4. Board Counsel Report
   1. Ballenas Appeal
      1. Board Counsel advised the commission that Dr. Ballenas has filed an appeal of the denial of his ringside physician application. 
5. Applications
   1. Nick Berens, MMA Referee Application
      1. After a brief conversation with the applicant about his experience, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the MMA Referee Application for Nick Berens, which was seconded by Commissioner Navien. A roll-call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
   2. Peter Welch, Boxing Promoter Application
      1. After a brief conversation with the applicant, where the applicant explained his background, Commissioner Navien made a motion to approve the Boxing Promoter Application for Peter Welch, which was seconded by Commissioner Pierce. A roll-call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
   3. Chris Palmquist, Boxing and Muay Thai Judge Applications
      1. After a brief conversation with the applicant, where the applicant explained his background, Commissioner Navien made a motion to approve the Boxing and Muay Thai Judge Applications for Chris Palmquist, which was seconded by Commissioner Kelly. A roll-call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
6. Variance Request 
   1. Variance Request from Peter Czymbor for Boston Boxing 8/28/2026 event. Requesting variance from 523CMR 10.05 regarding the minimum number of rounds. Boston Boxing is requesting a variance to allow up to 5 bouts, each 4-6 rounds. 
   2. After a brief discussion with the requestor, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the variance as submitted, which Commissioner Navien seconded. A roll-call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
7. Change of Decision Hearing (Alfred Raymond)
   1. The Commission began the hearing at approximately 1:18 p.m. Mr. Chris Traietti was present representing James Perkins as his manager. Mr. Perkins’ opponent for this contest did not attend but was notified of the hearing in advance . After discussion, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the change of decision to TKO of this June 20, 2026, event, and Commissioner Navien seconded the motion. A roll-call vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
8. Change of Decision Hearing (Kevin Nagle)
   1. The Commission began the hearing at approximately 1:29 p.m. Mr. Chris Traietti was present, representing Kevin Nagle as his manager. Mr. Nagle’s opponent for this contest did not attend but was notified of the hearing in advance. After discussion, Commissioner Kelly made a motion to approve the change of decision to a no contest for his May 16, 2026, event, and Commissioner Navien seconded the motion. A roll-call vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
9. Regulation Review 523 CMR 6.0, & 12.0 – 15.0
   1. This review was tabled until the September MSAC Meeting. 
10. Open session for topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting. 
11. A motion was made by Commissioner Pierce 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.
12. Investigatory Conference – CLOSED per M.G.L.c112, § 65C 
    1. C26-00088
13. Quasi-Judicial Session – CLOSED per M.G.L.c30A, § 18(d)
    1. C25-00094

1. Roll Call

2. Discuss/Vote Approval of Meeting Minutes from July 08, 2026
3. Executive Director Report
   1. Boxer Fund
4. Board Counsel Report
   1. Ballenas Appeal
5. Applications
   1. Nick Berens, MMA Referee Application
   2. Peter Welch, Boxing Promoter Application
   3. Chris Palmquist, Boxing and Muay Thai Judge Applications
6. Variance Request 
   1. Variance Request from Peter Czymbor for Boston Boxing 8/28/2026 event. Requesting variance from 523CMR 10.05 regarding the minimum number of rounds. Boston Boxing is requesting a variance to allow up to 5 bouts, each 4-6 rounds. 
7. Change of Decision Hearing (Alfred Raymond)
8. Change of Decision Hearing (Kevin Nagle)
9. Regulation Review 523 CMR 6.0, & 12.0 – 15.0
10. Open session for topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting. 
11. Investigatory Conference – CLOSED per M.G.L.c112, § 65C 
    1. C26-00088
12.  Quasi-Judicial Session – CLOSED per M.G.L.c30A, § 18(d)
    1. C25-00094