Press Release from the IFC: Local boxing and mixed martial arts promoter, Richard Salazar of Garrett Promotions was arrested and booked into the Hidalgo County Jail in Hidalgo, Texas on February 17, 2004 on embezzlement charges filed by Glenn Thomas of the IFC. Salazar was the local promoter for an IFC event held in McAllen, Texas on December 6, 2003 at the Dodge Arena and promoted as RUMBLE ON THE RIO. Under Texas law Salazar was required to pay the fighters in the event. The IFC gave Salazar the money to pay the fighters. Checks were issued by Salazar immediately following the event to all of the participants. Salazar’s checks failed to clear leaving the participating fighters unpaid.
In a statement made to police by Salazar, who was bonded in accordance with Texas state guidelines, Salazar said that he knew that the bonding company would eventually pay the fighters. The Texas Combative Sports Division is also investigating and it is expected that Salazar’s license to do business in that state will be revoked. He also faces misdemeanor charges for failing to follow the Texas State code concerning conducting combative sports events. Under Texas law, the embezzlement charges are a third degree felony . The bonding company, CNA Surety of Chicago, has been requested by the Texas Combative Sports Division and the IFC to release funds for the fighters. It is the policy of the IFC to work with local promoters to help them develop local MMA promotions. According to Paul Smith of the IFC, “It is also IFC policy that the promoters act responsibly. The fighters must be protected. That is exactly why we work so closely with state athletic commissions and the ISKA and have established the guidelines that we have.” According to Mr. Thomas, the IFC is also pursuing a criminal investigation into Edward Kim who promoted THE BATTLEGROUND in Chicago. Kim has filed for bankruptcy protection to avoid paying that event’s participants.
