Boxing Prohibition RescindedJune 19, 2001
Mayor Terrance Duggan and
City Council Members
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Ordinance Repealing Prohibition on Professional Boxing Elimination Tournaments
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
Pursuant to the City Council's direction from the meeting of June 18, 2001, enclosed is an
ordinance repealing § 3344 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, which prohibits
professional boxing elimination tournaments.
Very sincerely,
Barry Lindahl
BAL/jm
Enclosure
Cc: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
Barry Lindahl
ORDINANCE NO. -01
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 33-14 OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE
CODE OF ORDINANCES PROHIBITING PROFESSIONAL BOXING
ELIMINATION TOURNAMENTS
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Sec. 33-14 of the City of Duhnque Code of Ordinances is
hereby repealed.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon publicatiom
Passed, approved and adopted this day of July, 2001.
Attest:
Terrance M. Duggarg Mayor
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Ms Ann Michalski
Mr. Dan Nicholson
June 19, 2001
Re: "Tough Man" reprise:
A few years ago, I wrote an essay to the local paper which they declined to print. The subject of the
piece was the brutality and violence of many sports that the fans seem to revere these days. I dted
boxing as the premier violent "sport" and opined about the inhumanity of two adult males (now females
too) attempting to "best" the other by knocking him out or beating him so severely that he could not
continue. I alluded to the spittle and blood spattering ringside spectators and their transfixed excitement
glistening in their eyes, the catcalls and the livid "kill the bum" exhortations fxom segments of the crowd.
This is "SPORT"? I queried. The piece went on to describe the horrendous injuries done to boxers,
football players, even baseball, basket ball and hockey players whose venues have taken on violence, as
acceptable(?) We all remember when baskebalt was a sport offinesse, skill, strategy and quickness and
four fouls put you out of the game. Why, if you even touched another in defense a foul was called(?)
You see where I am going in how our sports have digressed. Granted padding and protective devices
have been improved, but the players get heavior and more muscular as weight lifting and extended training
develop their bodies into "crunching" machines even more violent than ever in the past.
WHAT K1ND OF MESSAGE ARE WE GIVING OUR CHILDREN?.
Are we making the same mistakes the Romans and Greeks made?
But, the decision at hand to vote AGAINST the "Tough Man 'entertainment(?)'" syndrome is a vote for
which you both should be congratulated! I am encouraged that at least two of our Council people have the
courage of thek convictions and are more sensitive to the far-reaching implications of such "sport.'Iam
very disappointed in the premise of "profitability to Five Flags" suggested by some of your colleagues.
THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER that they do NOT represent the preponderant number of citizens in this
Commllllity!
Sincerely,
Eugene F. Schmidt