Via a press release, General Manager of Live! Casino Sean Sullivan said that they made the decision to cancel the fights due to a concern over quality. Individuals who have purchased tickets will receive a prompt refund.
“We are committed to providing events that offer elevated entertainment for our guests and the community,” said Sullivan said in a written statement. “Fight Fest weekend was not in a position to accomplish that primary goal.”
The MMA event was supposed to be held Friday, while the boxing event was set to take place on Saturday. Notably, the boxing card was to feature Tiqua Hemingway, a Pittsburgh native who was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 2012 and 2016.
Hemingway, who is 38-years-old and 2-0 as a pro boxer, hadn't fought since 2022 due to having to help her daughter battle through Blount's Disease. It required frequent trips to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
A text message was sent to Hemingway seeking comment. Story may be updated.
Josh Rizzo is the editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges. Story ideas can be submitted to [email protected].