Nazi symbols, swastikas provoke fights at Florida kickboxing event
· Yahoo Sports
Nazi symbols, confederate flags and antisemitic behavior were on display at a Florida sporting event held inside a major public venue.
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“Duel: Arena” included several professional fights at Orlando’s Kia Center on Aug. 29. The controversy began when kickboxer Ben “King” Azoulay walked to the ring wearing an Israeli flag, according to those in attendance.
Azoulay’s opponent Paul Miller, who fights under the name “Gypsy Crusader,” has tattoos that can be perceived antisemitic. Some of his fans in attendance waved a Nazi flag and saluted Miller, according to social media posts.
Numerous fights broke out, resulting in some people being escorted out of the venue by security.
Response regarding antisemitic behavior at Florida sporting event
Officials with the Kia Center released a statement stating Orlando venues and the city “unequivocally condemn all forms of speech, discrimination, racism and any message that encourages violence against any person or group.”
The statement goes on to say the public’s concerns are heard. However, officials also state the city is bound by the first amendment.
“This means we cannot deny access because we disagree with the political ideology, opinion or perspective, regardless of the message,” according to the statement.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer posted his thought on social media.
“A symbol of hate was brought to our city this weekend. But hate, fear and division will never be welcome here,” Dyer wrote.
Who is professional kickboxer Paul Miller, known as 'Gypsy Crusader?'
Miller has not been shy about his beliefs.
He often does the Nazi salute in the ring, uses antisemitic slurs when speaking about opponents and refers to himself as a racist.
Miller has a criminal record dating at least back to 2007, when he was convicted of felony drug possession and aggravated assault. He was raided by the FBI in 2021 and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was convicted on those charges later that year and sentenced to 41 months in prison.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Nazi symbols, swastikas provoke fights at Florida kickboxing event