The producers behind plans to host a world-record breaking series of boxing matches in San Francisco are pulling the plug on the event despite the festivities winning an early endorsement from Mayor Daniel Lurie, the Chronicle has learned.
Kyle Meyers, the CEO of Silverback, a local events production company known for putting on Bay to Breakers, sent an email to city parks officials on Monday morning withdrawing the permit application his company filed to host the boxing event next month outside City Hall. Silverback had acted as the local representative for iVisit Boxing, a U.K. company that spearheaded the event.
iVisit Boxing confirmed the cancelation soon after. Both companies cited “growing logistical concerns” as the reason.
“Silverback has built its reputation on producing world-class, large-scale events across San Francisco and beyond,” Meyers said in a statement to the Chronicle. “We were genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring iVisit boxing to life at Civic Center Plaza.”
Ed Pereira, the CEO of iVisit, was not immediately available to comment when contacted Monday. His company posted a note on its website promising to host the headlining fight, between flyweights Anthony Olascuaga and Andy Dominguez, at a different venue on a new date.
Pereira, a boxing newcomer, had raised eyebrows months ago for promising to draw the largest boxing crowd in world history with the July 11 fight series. When he announced his plans, Pereira had yet to secure boxers for his fights or a licensed California boxing promoter to back them. But he did have one major asset: Lurie.
Lurie had backed the plans as part of his efforts to bring fun to San Francisco and stimulate its economy. He joined Pereira at a press conference in January, and last month his big events director, Ellie Schafer, attended another media event that Pereira hosted to announce the fight card.
Lurie on Monday called on iVisit to reimburse people who bought tickets for the event, which were listed between $60 and $6,000 online.
“San Francisco’s economy is recovering, and we want big ideas for how to keep it moving forward,” said Lurie spokesperson Charles Lutvak. “San Francisco knows how to do big events, and we’ll do it again with the World Cup this month. We fully expect the promoters to reimburse any fans who purchased tickets, and we’re ready to bring more major sporting events to San Francisco.”
iVisit said on its website that it would offer “full refunds” to ticket holders.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.