ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Organizers behind Rochester’s recent boxing event are asking the community for donations after the event left them more than $100,000 in debt.
RELATED: Boxing event in Rochester leaves promoters more than $100K in debt, fighters still unpaid
United and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, the organization that ran the event in partnership with Savage Life Promotions, says they couldn’t sell enough tickets to cover the costs. They’re still on the hook to pay the Blue Cross Arena and the boxers.
Organizers Clay Harris and Derick Gramling outlined next steps Thursday, including a public appeal for donations.
“Rochester knows that Clay Harris and his organization has poured into this city, without any compensation, just for the love. We’re asking Rochester now, and this region, is to help us now,” Harris said.
During the interview, News10NBC’s Erin Mahon asked, “Is it the community’s responsibility to pay for the consequence of this event?”
Harris responded, evading the question, by asking if Mahon attends church, and followed by quoting the Bible saying, “The Lord says, ‘We are our brother’s keeper. We ought to bare one another’s burdens in the time of need.’”
Watch the extended version of that interaction:
The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended Gramling and says it is taking steps to hold promoters accountable for paying athletes and participants.
This is a developing story. Stay with News10NBC for updates.
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