- Published:
- Thursday 5 March 2015
Minister for Sport, John Eren, has appointed boxing champion and legal expert, Simone Bailey, to the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board.
Ms Bailey, a barrister who is ranked number one nationally in her boxing weight division, and Maroondah City Councillor and head women’s trainer at the MVC Boxing Association, Samantha Marks, will become the second and third women to sit on the board.
The Board is responsible for the control of professional boxing and combat sports in Victoria. It promotes the safety of participants, reduces malpractice and upholds industry integrity.
The announcement comes after the Andrews Labor Government enhanced Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital by implementing world-class safety regulations to govern Mixed Martial Arts.
The appointment of the experienced duo is another step the Labor Government is taking to establish a renewed level of integrity in boxing and combat sports.
Ms Bailey has experience in a range of relevant sports related roles, from serving as a committee member of Boxing Victoria to investigating match fixing for the Football Federation of Victoria.
Mrs Marks has been accredited by the Australian Sports Commission as a level one boxing trainer and has worked in the corner at professional and amateur bouts. She holds a black belt in karate.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren
“Simone Bailey and Samantha Marks bring with them invaluable experience and first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing today’s combat sports, from grassroots to high performance.”
“I look forward to working with them and the rest of the board to ensure a brighter future for combat sports throughout the state – one that upholds integrity and promotes the sport’s potential.”
Quotes attributable to Samantha Marks
“It’s an honour to be given the chance to join the Board. I’m looking forward to working with the current board members and Simone to ensure the sports are governed at the highest standards.”
Quotes attributable to Simone Bailey
“I am honoured and excited to be given this opportunity. The Board plays an important role, and I hope Samantha and I can use our experience and knowledge to help uphold the integrity of combat sports in Victoria.”