Professional boxing and full-contact martial arts contests in the State of Illinois, and amateur boxing and full-contact martial arts contests, are hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that these contests, as defined in this Act, merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be authorized to participate in these contests and events in the State of Illinois. This Act shall be liberally construed to best carry out these objects and purposes.