The Association of Boxing Commissions has issued a statement following the death of martial artist Justin Thornton . On Tuesday, the ABC medical committee issued a statement to MMA Junkie, which condoned what it sees as common malpractices culturally embedded in the rising sport of bare-knuckle boxing. Among the perceived issues are the age and skill demographic of fighters commonly involved in American bare-knuckle events, as well as booking fighters returning from long periods of inactivity. “Therefore, the Association of Boxing Commission’s Medical Committee is especially concerned that athletes competing in BKB may be at higher risks for acute and chronic injuries due to these and other factors,” the statement reads