Police charged an Austintown man after discovering he organized unlicensed boxing matches at his business on Raccoon Road. Investigators identified the suspect as Desmond Marrow, owner of BTO Fit, who allegedly promoted and livestreamed the events through an entity called “Controlled Chaos.”
According to police, the Ohio Athletic Commission (OAC) contacted the Austintown Police Department on October 4 after noticing advertisements for upcoming fights at BTO Fit. An OAC official warned Marrow that the events violated state law and required permits and licenses. Despite the warning, Marrow continued promoting a boxing event scheduled for October 5.
Police said Marrow’s actions directly violated Ohio regulations and township ordinances governing public events and paid admissions.
Police Say Marrow Ignored Warnings and Held Fights Anyway
Investigators met with Marrow to discuss the violations, but officers reported that he became argumentative. Marrow allegedly told police he had hosted fights at his gym for three years and claimed the fire chief approved them.
Officers informed him that he lacked both proper permits and licenses. They also accused him of charging spectators and streaming viewers admission fees. While Marrow insisted fighters went unpaid, advertising materials reportedly offered competitors between $50 and several hundred dollars, plus travel and lodging expenses.
Police ordered him to cancel the October 5 event, but Marrow instead attempted to relocate it. When that failed, he held the fights at BTO Fit as planned. Officers later confirmed the event was underway after spotting several cars at the gym and watching the fights streamed live on Marrow’s social media.
Further Incidents and Arrest
Authorities said Marrow continued promoting additional events at BTO throughout October. During one of those gatherings, on October 12, a female participant reported being assaulted during a “baby oil boxing” event.
The investigation was transferred to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, which issued a warrant for Marrow’s arrest on October 15. Officers took him into custody on October 29 after responding to a disturbance involving Marrow and the owner of Walrus Subs on Raccoon Road.
Marrow now faces multiple misdemeanor charges connected to the unsanctioned fights. His arraignment is scheduled for November 3, where prosecutors are expected to present details from the ongoing investigation.
