8 years after Tim Hague’s death, Alberta failing on combat sport reform, experts say 

Eight years have passed since the tragic death of fighter Tim Hague in a boxing match in Edmonton, sparking calls for Alberta to regulate combat sports. Despite the urgent need for reform highlighted by Hague’s death and the more recent death of Trokon Dousuah in 2024, the Alberta government officials are still deliberating on the necessary changes.

The inquiry into Tim Hague’s death recommended significant changes in how combat sports are governed in Alberta, including the establishment of a single provincial commission to oversee every match. Currently, municipalities are responsible for regulating combat sports, leading to inconsistencies in safety regulations.

Critics argue that Alberta’s inaction is irresponsible and fails to protect fighters from the dangers they face in the ring or cage. Erik Magraken, a combat sports regulatory lawyer, believes that the province is neglecting the necessary reforms, despite Hague’s death serving as a wake-up call.

Dr. Randolph Knipping, a certified ringside physician, emphasizes the urgent need for reform, pointing out that Alberta is the only province without provincial oversight for combat sports. He stresses that fighter safety should not depend on geography and calls for the establishment of a unified regulatory body to ensure consistent safety standards across the province.

Hague’s tragic death was a result of a brain hemorrhage sustained during a boxing match licensed by the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission. Despite his history of knockouts and concussions, Hague was allowed to fight, ultimately leading to his untimely death. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages for alleged gross negligence causing death.

Following Hague’s death and the subsequent death of Dousuah in a charity match, former sports minister Joseph Schow promised a review of combat sport safety and the exploration of provincial regulation. However, consultations have been ongoing, with no clear timeline for when the review will be completed.

In response to the inquiry into Hague’s death, the province rejected some recommendations outright, including the establishment of a government-run database to track athletes’ records. The province also rejected the idea of mandatory CT scans after knockouts, citing concerns about unnecessary radiation exposure.

The City of Edmonton has partially implemented reforms, including mandatory suspensions for fighters who suffer knockouts and required medical suspensions between bouts. However, the city rejected recommendations related to mandatory CT and MRI scans after knockouts.

Dr. Randolph Knipping urges the province to take immediate action and establish a provincial sanctioning body to ensure consistent safety standards across Alberta. He emphasizes the importance of learning from other jurisdictions and implementing best practices to prevent further fatalities in combat sports.

In conclusion, the need for regulatory reform in combat sports in Alberta is urgent. The province must prioritize fighter safety and establish a unified regulatory body to prevent tragedies like Tim Hague’s death from occurring again. Don’t wait for another fatality – act now to protect the safety of fighters in Alberta.