After an impassioned campaign by AFA Ireland and hours after Broadsheet.ie picked up on the story that an MMA fighter with 'deep neo-Nazi' links Niko Puhaaka, promoters Celtic Gladiator have pulled the Finn from their upcoming fight night at Citywest.
Statement below:
Due to the controversy surrounding the fighter Niko Puhhaka, the organisers of Celtic Gladiator decided to cancel the fight that was scheduled to take place on 9 February at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin. Celtic Gladiator have signed the contract with Niko Puhakka basing only on his performance and achievements in sports. We as an organization do not judge our fighter by race, color, religion or beliefs.
Unfortunately, the amount of negative feedback regarding the fighter forced us to make a decision of removing his name from fight card. This, however, does not mean that the fighter Wesley Murch will not appear on the event, he will be assigned a new opponent shortly.
Best Regards
Board of Celtic Gladiator
