Yellowknife (Feb 17/06) - Despite minor opposition from a few city councillors, an athletics commission will be formed to oversee an upcoming world title boxing match in the city.

"Battle on the Barrens," features the world's super-featherweight women's champion from Hay River, Jelena Mrdjenovich, who will defend her title against a yet unnamed challenger at the Multiplex, May 20.

The main event, called "Battle on the Barrens," features the world's super-featherweight women's champion from Hay River, Jelena Mrdjenovich, who will defend her title against a yet unnamed challenger at the Multiplex, May 20.

Council had to pass a bylaw to establish an official athletic commission, or the fight would be illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada, which prohibits prize fights unless a territorial or municipal-approved athletic board is present to watch over it.

Last week, some councillors said they were concerned that emergency personnel and equipment would be taken away from situations that may occur in the city while on standby at the Multiplex in case a fighter is injured.

At Monday night's meeting, councillors debated whether or not the boxing match was important enough to take services away from the city.

"Time is extremely tight," said Coun. David McCann.

"Arenas, water and sewer services are more important.

"I see this boxing fight as something that's off to the side."

Fight promoter Garry Hubert was at the meeting to present his case to the council.

"Once the fight is done, the ring used is ours to keep," said Hubert.

He said the Yellowknife Boxing Club has become more popular since the announcement of the title fight in May. Having a boxing ring would encourage even more to get involved in the sport.

"There are youth out there that want this, too."

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly said he fails to see how utilizing city staff for a "one-time-deal" would help the city.

"It's causing me a high level of anxiety."

O'Reilly also said he believes the territorial government should take the responsibility of forming the commission.

"I see this all as a liability and a risk the city should not be getting into."

But having the territorial government form the commission would take too long, said city administrator Dave Devana.

The fastest route in this matter would be to "borrow" from the City of Edmonton's commission and use their regulations and rules, said Devana.

"We do not know what the responsibilities will be yet," said Devana.

"We will gather this information over the next few weeks."

Other councillors did not see the boxing fight as a one-time event and said other opportunities could arise if the commission is formed.

"This is a great opportunity to stand on the world stage," said Coun. Alan Woytuik.

"We should do everything we can to get the benefits of being in the spotlight."

A possible spin off from the May 20 boxing match could be an amateur league in the city, said Woytuik.

"There are plenty of good prospects around the city."

"We should be encouraging the young people to be active."

Coun. Mark Heyck said forming a commission could also benefit the city by boosting the economy.

"I support the commission and borrowing from the Edmonton municipal by-laws," said Heyck.

"We could also charge a fee for the promoter."