Show cancels martial arts fighter over neo-Nazi links

A mixed martial arts promoter has been forced to remove a Finnish fighter from a show at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin next month after an online campaign revealed links to neo-Nazi groups.

Anti-Fascist Action Ireland led the campaign to have Niko Puhakka taken off the bill after photos were found showing the fighter with tattoos of fascist symbols and meeting with known neo-Nazis.

Niko Puhakka released a hand-written note through Celtic Gladiator last Friday saying he does not hold fascist beliefs and he has since covered up the tattoos.