Ban on pro fights revisited

City officials studying the logistics of reversing the ban do not know exactly when or why the prohibition was adopted — a finding that some council members said would play a major factor.

“That needs to be looked at,” Councilman Ara Najarian said. “We don’t want to create an atmosphere where we’re known as the boxing city. . . . It’s not just the money.”

Whether perceived or actual, the sport of boxing has, over time, attracted a crowd that doesn’t always jive with community standards and law enforcement, Najarian said.

If the council were to reverse the ban on boxing and other sparring events, which would also presumably apply to mixed-martial-arts fights, conditions could be applied to the permitting process that would allow Glendale police to adequately control the new business element, Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

Background checks and extensive review of permit applications, together with monitoring from an established vice unit, should provide the necessary controls to keep out any illicit activity that may come attached to the fighting rings, he added.

“I think it could be done,” Lorenz said.

City officials are tentatively scheduled to bring their report on the matter to the council in August.

At that time, the council would provide direction on whether to pursue a reversal of the ban, or to maintain the status quo.

 JASON WELLS covers City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at jason.wells@latimes.com.