On the latest episode of The GLORY Kickboxing Podcast, former GLORY welterweight champion Joseph Valtellini gave an update on the promotion potentially hosting an event in Canada this year.
Hosted alongside GLORY and UFC commentator Todd Grisham, “Bazooka Joe” spoke about the promotion’s efforts to book a ‘GLORY Toronto’ show, despite the sport being banned by the Ontario Athletic Commission.
In January, some positive news floated GLORY’s way, with Ontario head Ken Hayashi stepping down. Following the shuffle, CEO Jon J. Franklin declared intentions to break into the Canadian market, should the athletic commission allow them.
Franklin told MMA Plus’ Michael Stets: “Ultimately we have some regulatory issues to work out in Canada, but I think we are on our way.”
With a considerable amount of time passing since Franklin’s initial comments, the promotion has offered an update on a Candian debut through the proxy of Toronto’s own Valtellini on The GLORY Kickboxing Podcast.
“GLORY CEO Jon Franklin came in [to Toronto], had some dinner, got some people involved, met with the commission, ISKA and it’s looking good,” said Valtellini, on episode 16 of the show. “So there’s a possibility of GLORY, November 2017 in Toronto. That’s not official yet but those Canadians who are watching, make sure you go, there’s some signed petition going, we’re going to change the legislation changed in Ontario so we can get professional fighting in Ontario.”
It was also noted by Grisham, that despite Ontario’s apprehension to regulate kickboxing, MMA is fully legal. The UFC last visited the state in December, with their UFC 206 PPV, which saw Max Holloway defeat Anthony Pettis for the interim featherweight championship.
The recent lobbying from GLORY reps has given much weight to the potential of a GLORY Toronto event, and taking into account Franklin’s past experience — helping to get the premier promotion into Amsterdam — the tides are certainly looking in their favour.
With a November date being speculated, GLORY will need to work closely with the ISKA and local representatives to push the legislature through, but if it happens, it will be a huge win for the often neglected Candian kickboxing scene.
