aaib_q&a_coach

RING, RHYME & REASON

By Stephen B. Acunto

Klitschko versus Peter -The Value of the Jab

The Wladimir Klitschko versus Samuel Peter bout was a perfect match of an outstanding boxing trainer in Emanuel Steward instructing and Wladimir Klitschko following his trainer's directions. Wladimir used his jab, which he doubled up and tripled at times. Perhaps the Ukrainian could have used a little more leverage behind this effective jab. Wladimir is tall, had the reach and did that particular stylistic thing that is absolutely necessary when a lofty boxer with a jab is fighting a short, squat puncher like Peter. Steward told Wladimir to move to Peters left, thus oviating the power of Peter's lethal right hand. The formula worked, which proved once again that styles have so much to do with the outcome of a match.

That is the strategy that James J. Braddock employed defeating Max Baer and becoming the vaunted personage in the film "Cinderella Man". Another case in point is that of Max Schmelling, who moved slightly to Joe Louis' left when Louis dropped his jab. Schmelling struck him with a straight right to the head until he finally stopped the undefeated 21-year-old contender. It worked for Gene Tunney vs. Jack Dempsey. Muhammad Ali combined speed of hand and foot and a left jab to gain the status as one of the greatest, if not the greatest heavyweight champion of all time.

As a teenaged boxing participant at the CYO, I had the good fortune to have had Jack Bratton as my trainer and he taught me the importance of the left jab. A little later, Benny Leonard would reinforce this with me at Stillman's gym. As a boxing coach, I have tried to impart the importance of the left jab to my students over the years.

To get back to the Klitschko - Peter's match, in view of the way the fight was going, when one of the commentators passed the remark that Klitschko should have slugged it out with the lethal punching Peters, he sounded ridiculous. The exact reason why Wladimir won ten out of twelve rounds was because he jabbed and displayed good ring generalship by moving to his opponent's left. At the conclusion of the contest, Samuel Peter mentioned that Wladimir had clinched and grabbed him for which referee Randy Newman warned Klitschko. It was unclear why the "rabbit punches" that Peter struck Klitschko with a number of times behind the neck weren't called a foul and just seemed to slip through the cracks.

Wladimir should be congratulated for his excellent performance, as well as Emauel Steward for his astute instructions and cool deportment as a second in the corner. It was good for boxing because it highlighted the sport in a scientific fashion.

LEVANDER JOHNSON, MEDICAL SCREENING AND WHEN TO STOP

We have reached an impasse in the ring game that demands a different approach be taken when it comes to the sanctioning of professional boxers any place in this country. The latest fatalities further substantiate the fact that the medical profession, combined with administrative competence of the boxing commission, could and should prevent any further fatalities, such as the two deaths that took place in Las Vegas, namely_Martin Sanchez and Levander Johnson. In the case of Johnson the record reveals that he has been fighting since 1989 and in those sixteen years had a total of 40bouts, notwithstanding the fights he had as an amateur. He was 35 years old. Although he finally won another alphabet soup title from Stefano Zoff in Italy, it did not justify his being considered ready to fight Jesus Chavez.. Even Levander's own father, who worked in his corner that night, wanted to halt the contest in the 8 th round. His son refused to comply, because he felt that he was wearing his opponent out.

Regardless of their valiancy and courage, it can no longer be the prerogative of the fighter to determine when irreversible injury or his life are at stake.

Since the head was not meant to be hit in the first place, absorbing 400 unanswered punches was the road to a fatality.

Perhaps, there should have been a scrupulous round by round, minute by minute monitoring of Levander's performance, as it should be in the case of every boxer in every match.

Dr. Goodman stated that at the tenth round no problem was found and many times a serious injury is not detected until it is too late. Johnson left the ring on his own momentum when it was found his gait was erratic. He obviously reached the trauma center on time, but the damage had been done and the clot on his brain was so large it shifted from one side of his head to the other. It also seems to us that participants in the ring game, who, when the pattern of the fight does not change, meaning that round after round one boxer is assuming all of the punishment, then whether or not a knockdown or TKO occurs, a bout should be stopped.

A KENTUCKY INVITATIONAL

On the brighter side in Derby Town...
Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson gives Stephen B. Acunto a proclamation making him a citizen. Unfortunately, when asked if he could vote in Louisville, that was a horse of a different color!

L to R: Bud Schardein, Mayor Jerry Abramson, Stephen B. Acunto and Dr. Osric King

Recently, AAIB Chairman and co-founder, Stephen B. Acunto was invited by a member of the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority (KBWA), Bud Schardein, to address one of the Authority's regular meetings.

Earlier in the year, Mr. Schardein, a former boxer who also serves as Executive Director of Louisville's Metropolitan Sewer District, had traveled to New York to learn more about the regulation of boxing in the State. He had met with Acunto, who also serves as a Deputy Commissioner Emeritus of the New York State Athletic Commission, and Schardein asked Mr. Acunto to give a formal presentation to the KBWA.

Acunto asked Dr. Osric King, M.D., who is a member of the New York Commission's medical board and on the staff at the Hospital for Special Surgery to join him in order to give the KBWA an opportunity to gain insight of procedures used by the NYSAC to ensure the safety of boxers.

Unfortunately, the two representatives, instead of receiving a positive reception, were treated skeptically by the newly-appointed KBWA Chairman, George Ginter, M.D., an anesthesiologist from Lexington, Kentucky.

Despite the devastating brain injury that former heavyweight champion Greg Page suffered in a fight in 2001 in Erlanger, KY, Dr. Ginter scoffed at the regulation that in New York State all boxers must have an MRI of the brain once a year. In Dr. Giinter's opinion such testing for young, healthy boxers is unnecessary. In view of the recent death of Martin Sanchez in Las Vegas at age 26 and other young boxers in the past, this seemed to be an unfounded statement.

Having attended the aforementioned meeting at the expense of the AAIB, both Acunto and King came with the goal of offering their knowledge and experience to the newly revamped board. Chairman Ginter allotted thirty minutes to the two New Yorkers and in that time they were either interrupted or criticized in respect to medical procedure and other criteria of the NYSAC. In respect to the AAIB and its Manifesto, Ginter added that it was too "purist" but, wished the 37 year old organization luck.

The Board of the AAIB would like Dr. Ginter to respond to a few of the questions that Acunto and King did not have the opportunity to ask due to their being passed over .

The following are the questions that we would have liked Dr. George Ginter to answer:

• Why is Kentucky a "different kind of place" from New York when it comes to safety and the prevention of serious injuries, such as those that Greg Page sustained. Although this terrible "ring accident" happened prior to the appointment of this new authority, why would you want to take a chance at history repeating itself? What happened to Page was due to negligence ranging from both the absence of a licensed doctor ringside to a standby ambulance. Why would you want to be a "different kind of place" in medical safety issues?

• You referred to MRI testing and CAT scans as Orwellian concepts. Given the example of people having to take a road test before being issued a license to drive, Dr. King tried to ask you why protecting someone from themselves, was an Orwellian concept. Further, he gave the example of Joe Mesi, whom the NYSAC tested and banned indefinitely because of bleeding in his brain. You then said that Mesi's case could be argued either way. Would you sanction Mesi to fight in Kentucky?

• Do you have insurance for boxers in the event that there is an accident in the ring that could cause disfigurement or death? If so, how much would the fighter receive?

• Do you have medical coverage for MRI tests?

• Is a standby ambulance with paramedics mandatory at bouts? If so, in the event that an ambulance has to be used, do you to wait for another ambulance to arrive before the next match can take place?

• Do you require urine testing before a boxer can enter the ring? In a title fight in New York, urine tests are taken before and after the fight. This is how we were able to detect that James Toney took steroids? Do you require the same testing for a title fight?

• Do you have a policy regarding hand bandaging and the inspection of same by a commission inspector, who would then initial both the bandaging and the gloves?

• Are there appointed inspectors at contests and what are their duties as to working corners, monitoring dressing rooms and many other duties performed by them?

• Is there a security procedure in place, such as wristbands, tags or presenting a license to prevent unauthorized people from going into the dressing rooms and other places in the arena, that could cause problems?

• What type of scorecards are issued in Kentucky? Outside of points for ring generalship, aggressiveness, clean and effective punching and defense, is there an area for remarks by the judges on each round and a space to report any fouls? Do you use tri-colored cards signed by the judges?

• In New York fighters go into the same corner as the dressing room where they prepare for the fight. They are either red or blue. (Female boxers have separate dressing rooms.) The information on the programs that are given to officials and others include the order of the bouts, the name, residence, professional record, weight , inspector in his/her corner, his/her seconds, and color of the trunks. Do you require this procedure in Kentucky?

Despite the limitation of time afforded to the two commission representatives from New York, it was amazing that Dr. George Ginter had time to read an editorial about his accomplishments and background, that was roughly fourteen legal pages long.

It is really unfortunate that the views of the Chairman simply do not appear to be in sync with the explicit need to make boxing a safer sport.

Jim Adams' article (dated August 17 th,), which gave a very accurate account of the meeting can be found in the Courier -Journal at www.courier-journal .com.

Recently, AAIB Chairman and co-founder and Deputy Commissioner Emeritus of the New York State Athletic Commission, Stephen B. Acunto, and Osric King, M.D., a prominent sports medicine doctor, who practices at the Hospital for Special Surgery and is a member of the Commission's medical board, were invited by a member of the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority (KBWA), Bud Schardein, to address one of the Authority's regular meetings.

Earlier in the year, Mr. Schardein, a former boxer who also serves as Executive Director of Louisville's Metropolitan Sewer District, had traveled to New York to learn more about the strict regulation of boxing in the State. As a result of his findings, Mr. Schardein decided to invite Mr. Acunto to give a formal presentation to the KBWA.

At Mr. Acunto's request, Mr. Schardein also invited Dr. King so that the KBWA would gain the expertise and insights of an eminent physician into New York's efforts to ensure the safety of its boxers. Unfortunately, instead of receiving a positive reception, the two representatives , were treated skeptically by the newly-appointed KBWA Executive Director, George Ginter, M.D., an anesthesiologist from Lexington.

Despite the devastating brain injury that heavyweight champion Greg Page suffered in a fight in 2001 in Erlanger, KY, Dr. Ginter scoffed at the regulation that in New York State all boxers must have an MRI of the brain prior to a fight. In Dr. Ginter's view such testing for young, healthy boxers is unnecessary. He continued that, in his view, excessive regulation of boxing in New York State has resulted in a decline in the number of matches there.

Speaking on behalf of a state that recently repealed the requirement that motorcyclists wear helmets, Dr. Ginter's views appear to be in step with public opinion but out of step with the need to make boxing a safer sport.

Below, for your information, is a news story that gives the Louisville Courier-Journal reporter Jim Adams's account of the meeting.

State's boxing chief spars with New Yorkers over reform

By Jim Adams
jadams@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A contingent of New Yorkers came to Kentucky yesterday to promote boxing reform but left with a reproach from the chairman of the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority, who reminded them that Kentucky is a different kind of place where motorcyclists may ride without helmets, the state sanctions the carrying of concealed weapons and tighter regulation of boxing will face some opposition.

Dr. George Ginter, a Lexington anesthesiologist, told the New Yorkers -- including a ringside physician from Brooklyn and a nationally known boxing reformer from Mount Vernon -- that he believes tighter regulation in their state is to blame for a decline in the number of boxing cards there.

And, Ginter said, he will oppose some of their ideas in Kentucky, including mandatory imaging tests of the brains of all boxers. He likened such testing to an Orwellian concept, with government peering into a boxer's skull and making a record of what it finds there.

"The culture of Kentucky is different from the culture of New York," and "personal rights and personal choice is the law" here, Ginter said. He added that, as a physician, he thinks the repeal of Kentucky's motorcycle helmet law was a bad decision.

Ginter, appointed this year by Gov. Ernie Fletcher to head the body that regulates professional boxing and wrestling in Kentucky, launched into a criticism of New York-style boxing regulation at the conclusion of a meeting yesterday. The authority is considering how far it should go in increasing medical testing for professional boxers.

The issue has been prominent since former world heavyweight champion Greg Page of Louisville suffered a debilitating brain injury in a March 9, 2001, fight in Erlanger, Ky. The arrangements that night violated at least eight state and federal boxing requirements, and the state hasn't enacted any new statutes or regulations since then.

The authority, created early this year, hasn't set a timetable for voting on any proposed regulations but is reviewing a draft prepared by its staff and a separate proposal offered by authority member Bud Schardein.

During yesterday's meeting, Brooklyn physician Osric King spent about 20 minutes outlining New York's boxing-safety requirements, which include mandatory MRI screening of the brains of all pro fighters every three years and much more rigorous medical exams than Kentucky requires.

The authority also heard from Stephen B. Acunto, a boxing-safety advocate who, with Rocky Marciano, co-founded the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing nearly 40 years ago. He still operates the non-profit advocacy group from his Mount Vernon home.

King and Acunto appeared at the invitation of Schardein, the executive director of the Metropolitan Sewer District in Louisville and an ex-boxer. He visited New York in April to study its boxing regulation and supports mandatory brain imaging.

Beyond Ginter and Schardein, the other three members of the five-member authority haven't taken public positions on the brain-imaging question.

King told the panel yesterday that New York officials think the safeguards have prevented catastrophic brain injuries to boxers who showed signs of injury and were denied the right to fight professionally.

Ginter, however, questioned whether data supports the idea that increased testing prevents deaths. He said Nevada requires brain imaging tests, but five pro boxers have died there since 1994.

Ginter contends that regulation should be liberalized to encourage more pro fights because "experience is the best teacher" of boxing safety. He also said officials should do more to ensure that boxers have proper fluids in their bodies. The brain is surrounded by protective fluid, but boxers commonly dehydrate themselves to meet weight limits.

However, Ginter said the cost of brain imaging can't be justified, particularly for boxers who are young and in shape.

While New York has regulated boxing more tightly, Ginter noted that it sanctioned only 17 cards in 2004, a drastic decline from years when Madison Square Garden alone had weekly cards.

When Ginter had concluded, King asked him on what basis Kentucky would deny a license if it did not draw an accurate medical picture of a fighter over time. Ginter replied that Kentucky can, and does, require more detailed medical tests when it believes a fighter might be at risk. But King said a fighter might have no trouble finding a physician to offer a favorable assessment of his current condition.

A KENTUCKY STYLE HOUSE CLEANING

Last year, we wrote about the aftermath of the fight where Greg Page was left confined to a wheelchair, due to the negligence of the Kentucky State Athletic Commission. If you have not read the article, as told by Mrs. Patti-Love Page, it is on the AAIB's web site (aaib.org).

We are pleased to announce that the Kentucky Athletic Commission has recently started to "clean house".

We were happy to have Bud Schardein, a newly appointed member of the Kentucky Commission meet with us in New York on a fact finding mission. Schardein was here the weekend of the Toney-Ruiz fight at Madison Square Garden and was most impressed by the way the New York State Athletic Commission functions. Bud, a former boxer, who really knows the ring game, is passionate in his efforts to have a good commission in Kentucky and brought a lot of information back to his colleagues. We hope they will work with Schardein in an effort for a serious overhaul of boxing regulations in their state.

RING, RHYME & REASON

By Stephen B. Acunto

TERMINATION OF TBA

To be announced (TBA) should be completely terminated from listings of forthcoming fight contests. The name of a champion or promising fighter, who is well known, is listed versus TBA on several fight schedules. For example, the following are just a few of the "surprise opponents" on fight schedules: Lajuan Simon vs. TBA, Willie Gibbs vs. TBA, Eric Ennis vs. TBA, Charlie Witherspoon vs. TBA., Paul Lopez vs. TBA and Elvin Ayara vs. TBA, to name a few.

This is totally unfair to the fans, who have a right to know who they are paying to see. Further, there is the question of an even contest, or whether or not a promoter is trying to pan off a last minute substitute as a "fall guy" to further build up a champion or contender.

Inevitably, you will hear someone say, "There aren't too many people here tonight."

As far as the feature attraction is concerned, if someone cancels, then we feel the entire match should be canceled, too. This would avoid a number of unfair moves such as, a fighter who is a last minute substitute and is neither conditioned or knowledgeable about his opponent's style; a boxer who has not fought for a while or who has a poor record. A conscientious manager would not expose his fighter as a substitute in a fight in which he could not win, just for the money.

In other words, before the public shows you the money , show them a caliber match.

FOR THE GOOD OF BOXING

We always like to recognize and applaud a really good fight. The match we are referring to took place in Manchester, England recently. A nine-year outstanding titleholder Kostya Tszyu, 39-1 fought Ricky Hatton, 39-0. The fight was halted in the 11 th round after a blistering battle. Kostya's concerned trainer apparently detected something seriously wrong with Tszyu at the end of round 11 causing him not to come out for the 12 th and final round, giving Hatton the championship.

Since style is so much of a factor in the ring game, we believe that Kostya, like Roy Jones, Jr. vs. Glen Johnson, was trapped on the ropes with relentless, hard punches, which cut off the ring and did not allow the boxer long range and use of effective jabs and defensive styles. Whatever it was, the strategy must have been right, because it worked.

It was especially gratifying to see the great sportsmanship and commentary made by both Tszyu and Hatton after the bout was over. Tszyu lost his title in a gallant fashion, and the post fight interviews were a refreshing departure from the usual lengthy diatribe of bull that some of the boxers and people interviewed, or for that matter, some of the interviewers give after a match.

SINCE TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN....

Another thought occurs to us about closure to a boxing career. Although Bernard Hopkins is listed pound for pound as the best fighter in the world today, and has been a truly great champion, we feel that it would be logical for him to have two more matches, maximum. Then Bernard could retire as a proponent of what should be done in terms of leaving the boxing game. That is, to exit the ring for the last time with your health and finances in tact.

We also feel that Arturo Gatti, a great warrior should also retire, win, lose or draw vs. Floyd Mayweather.

Again, we strongly recommend that Antonio Barrera, who had surgery for a congenital brain problem, having a piece of mesh placed in his skull, retire to avoid joining too many other fighters who have had unnecessary accidents in the ring.

In the immediate heavyweight division, Andrew Golota has seen his best days and should retire, as well as Mike Tyson, who was halted by Kevin McBride. After the fight, Tyson stated he would not hurt boxing any further by continuing to compete. We hope that he means it.

Speaking of the Heavyweight Division.....

Considering that the greatest heavyweights of all time weighed less than 200 pounds, we believe that the cruiserweight division is unneeded and unpopular. Ring Magazine justifiably declares the championship vacant. We agree with Ring's ratings because they are the real deal.

TRIUMPHANT TWINS

The American Association for the Improvement of Boxing adds its congratulations and best wishes to the SpanaKOs twins, Nikos and Petros, who were honored on June 6 th and will be realizing the dream of the New York City Parks Department and the New York City Sports Commission.

There was boxing at the Brooklyn Red Hook Recreation Center in 1952. Murray Barron and, later legendary coach Johnny Reid, trained the 14-year-old twins there. These two coaches motivated the twins into pursuing their respective educational careers. The Spanakos' collectively captured 17 Golden Glove titles and Nikos was on the 1960 Roman Olympic Boxing Team. Muhammad Ali, then know as Cassius Clay, was on both of their teams. The twins and Muhammad Ali took the 1960 National Western Chicago Golden Gloves at Madison Square Garden. We are proud of these two men who are members of our A.A.I.B. Consulting Committee. The Brooklynites had a boxing career that numbered 200 fights and had trained at the storied Cus D' Amato's Empire Gym.

ALL THE FIGHTS START HERE

Photo: Left to Right Stephen B. Acunto, who has the longest tenure in the NYSAC weighing in its newest Chairman, Ron Scott Stevens

After the weigh in, Canto stated that Ron Scott Stevens had the right weight in background and experience to be a successful and competent chairman. This calibrated scale was probably purchased by the commission in 1921 and weighed thousands of pounds of pugilistic flesh dating back from Jack Dempsey to Roy Jones, Jr. and other great icons and champions to date. It has been a demarcation point for some fighters who could not make the contractual poundage. Many fighters had been given the opportunity to lose weight by working out and eating correctly, hence tipping the scale at the correct weight.

A TRIBUTE TO AL GAVIN

Al Gavin, a good friend, and past honoree of the AAIB, died on July 10th. He was acknowledged for his expertise as one of, if not the best cut man in the business. Al was in the corner of such athletes as Lennox Lewis, Oscar de la Hoya, Junior Jones and Micky Ward, to name a few. He also worked with amateurs in the PAL. By his friends he will be remembered as being a kind and caring man.

RING, RHYME & REASON
By Stephen B. Acunto
"The Greatest Generation"

As an older member of the boxing fraternity, Mike Jacobs of the 20th Century Sporting Club came to mind recently. Mike's office was in the New York Hippodrome, which no longer exists. At that time there was no such thing as alphabet soup groups, pseudo titles, pseudo ratings or pseudo belts. Mike had only eight divisions in boxing to work with. There was only one champion in each division and everyone knew their names. One of Mike's most famous events was the Carnival of Champions at the Polo Grounds. The bouts started about 7 PM and were on the radio. I recall those bouts vividly. On one particular card there were four title matches. The opening bout was for the bantamweight championship; Harry Jeffra of Baltimore vs. Sixto (Sixth Son) Escobar of Puerto Rico. Jeffra was the victor. The great Barney Ross, the "Chicago Jabber" took on Pilipino, Seferino Garcia, famed exponent of the bolo punch. (Although Kid Gavilan used that blow later on, the originator of the punch was Garcia.) Seferino developed this punch because he used to cut sugar cane with a bolo knife in his native Philippine Islands, thus developing a sweeping upper cut punch motion. Ross earned the verdict. Another bout was between middleweights Fred Apostoli of San Francisco, who defeated Marcel Thil of France. Thil sustained a severe laceration over one of his eyes. The final bout, which is very familiar to this author (having sparred with Lou Ambers for two weeks before he met Pedro Montanez of Puerto Rico), had Montanez winning a ten round decision at the Garden over Lou. But, in a return 15 round title encounter, Ambers boxed brilliantly and retained the crown with a verdict over Montanez.
Mike Jacobs also promoted Joe Louis' fights. Jacobs' head matchmaker was Matt Rogers and his second matchmaker was Zunk Serling.
It was a wonderful era for boxing. The fights started at Madison Square Garden at exactly 10 PM. They observed the 11 PM curfew law in New York. The Garden was literally packed. In many of the bouts there were ethnic matches that drew a large following from the boroughs.
The famous St. Nicholas Arena at 66th Street and Columbus Avenue was an annex to the Garden. I remember one particular match between Maxie Shapiro and Tony Pellone of Brooklyn. Pellone's victory got him a main event at Madison Square Garden. Another exciting fighter was Beau Jack who holds the record for more main events than any other champion. Unfortunately, like many others, Beau Jack lost his money and ended up shining shoes at the Augusta National Golf Course in Atlanta.
There were many professional boxing clubs operating at the time. You could go to the New York Coliseum and Croake Park, both located in the Bronx. There was the original famous Ridgewood Grove and the Broadway Arena which were in Brooklyn. You would see such characters as matchmaker Max Joss, who always seemed to be mouthing a cigar at the Arena. Sunnyside Garden, Eastern Parkway, the Velodrome in Coney Island and White Plains' County Center were some of the other crammed houses of the era.

I believe that avid boxing fans would go to an arena every week as they did at the aforementioned arenas if bouts took place at the same time and place each week, or even each month.

We, of the older generation, were aware of homosexual and lesbian lifestyles. However, during that period of time discussion, or press about being gay was "in the closet". Nevertheless, I don't remember anyone in the boxing community or, for that matter, any other athletes being condemned or not allowed to participate in sports due to sexual preference.

Tom Brokow's book, which is a tribute to my generation, calls it "The Greatest Generation". We were hard workers, fighting for freedom during World War II, and sincerely trying to pave the way for a better world.

RING, RHYME & REASON
By Stephen B. Acunto

It seems to me I've heard that song before. It's from an old familiar score which adds up to the ongoing infamy and corruption that exits in the oldest sport in the world. Over the decades there have been world-wide publicized injuries and fatalities. While we have witnessed some marked improvement in respect to medical safety in certain commissions, they will do absolutely no good unless mandatory standardization of physical examinations takes place in all 50 states. This could be accomplished with The Professional Boxing Safety Act currently pending in Congress. At an AAIB meeting in February, our Chief Legal Counsel, George Otto and the board members discussed the following:

The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996, SECTION 5. SAFETY STANDARDS, b. Subsection 3 in its current form should be rewritten as follows: A physician continuously present at ringside who alone acting in accordance with the appropriate medical standards as put forth by the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians, has the power to examine the fighters during the match and if necessary, direct the referee to stop the bout if either boxer is unable to defend himself or herself or may suffer serious and potentially permanent physical damage if the match continues.
One amendment that the AAIB Board members all concurred on in the aforesaid was that a physician and referee should have equal power in stopping a bout.
Frankly, and for far too long doctors, who are officials of the State Athletic Commissions, have not been able to function to full capacity. Doctors should determine when a fighter should terminate his career in the ring.
If tests, such as CAT scans, and medically, the more conclusive MRI deduces that a fighter has any indication of a problematical head injury, then he or she should not be allowed to continue to box. Quite simply, Athletic Commissions in any jurisdiction should not license a boxer to continue for their own good, and most certainly prevent him from being a pawn of some unscrupulous manager, thus averting a serious injury or fatality. Further, if a commission determines that a boxer should no longer continue because of the aforementioned, then that information should be communicated to all the existing commissions in the country, in addition to advising the press of these medical findings. Specifically, and contrary to what some people would like you to "buy", this is a dangerous sport, even when practiced scientifically and defensively. The head was not made to be struck. Too often the cumulative number of blows a fighter assimilates in the course of a career adds up to dementia, or Punch Drunk Syndrome. The fighter walks with an unsteady gate, slurred speech, and other serious, and unfortunately, avoidable physical problems.

As far as Strict Standardization and Medical Regulations are concerned, we will refer back to Bradley Rone, who lost 47 fights and only won 8. After an incredible loss of 25 in a row, he was turned down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission because he had a heart condition, but, sadly, he was sanctioned to box by the Utah Athletic Commission, where he died in the ring. In addition to all that infamy, the press, the AAIB, and even his family have not been able to obtain the autopsy report.

Another situation, among others, was the Greg Page debacle, which resulted in the former heavyweight champion becoming paralyzed due to the complete negligence and incompetence by the Kansas State Athletic Commission.
As for "accidents waiting to happen", one just needs to check current fight results, particularly in the heavyweight division, in states such as Tennessee, Missouri, Texas and others. The statistics regarding the much larger amount of loses over wins by these boxers are staggering.
This is what the AAIB feels has to be addressed by the U. S. Senate.
Finally, the inconsistency of the sport must be remedied by having it governed like all other major sports. During the hype and cheers for their "hero" only a minority of the fans know the extent of negative ramifications for the future of many athletes. After all, boxing, like all other sports is entertainment. Despite that, dramatic change has been and is desperately needed.
As the saying goes, "The musicians have changed, but the music is still the same". However, the truism of sports is incontrovertible. It's different from most other jobs because you have to make the putt, dunk the basketball, hit the homerun, score a knockout and make that touchdown. There is no way anyone can bluff, twist or turn the truth of the reality of what one must do in sports.

RING, RHYME & REASON
By Stephen B. Acunto

While Baby Joe Mesi doesn't have the "cutest baby face", he is a personable, appealing and articulate pugilist and has a substantial amount of potential. He is a good right hand puncher, and is now taking on creditable opponents, which is what a fighter must do to improve and move onto serious contendership. In his latest bout vs. southpaw, Vassily Jirov, he breezed through the first nine rounds, but suddenly in the tenth round Mesi was not boxing like a professional. He reverted to being an amateur again by leaving himself wide open and getting hit and nearly knocked out. So many times when a fighter is winning going into the last round, corner mentors will logically advise boxers to fight defensively in the middle of the ring for those last three minutes. But, ironically Mesi's people were telling him he was losing, which might have made him vulnerable, causing him to open up against the experienced Vassily. Fortunately, Joe survived the knockdown and bombardment by Jirov to earn the decision. Very simply, Buffalo's big attraction in boxing could use corner men of the caliber of Buddy McGirt, Teddy Atlas and many others. Also included in the entourage should be someone of Al Gavin's competence. Baby Joe needs to know more about defensive boxing. We feel if that happens he will not be hampered in his quest to move up. Vassily Jirov, the more experienced former champion cruiserweight was a significant win for Mesi.
Joe's idol, Rocky Marciano, the only undefeated heavyweight champion of all time, was handicapped by having the shortest reach in heavyweight history. Rocky weighed 185 pounds and won the title coming from behind to win, a chief requisite in sports or anything else, for that matter. Aside from Marciano's indomitable spirit, he had a chin of granite and he could knock you out with either hand. We feel that Mesi would be smart to emulate the one thing that Rocky Marciano did which was greatly responsible for his success: grueling work outs that equate superb condition.

There's not very much to say about the Shane Mosley vs. Winky Wright duel. Simply, Wright whom so many have avoided facing was completely effective and pitched a shut out in a twelve round match. Justice finally triumphed when Winky Wright who has been seeking a title encounter for far too long, won. It was refreshing to see him win, particularly under the circumstances.
From the outcome of Mosely vs. Wright, it becomes more apparent that the Mosley- DeLaHoya fight might well have been won by Oscar DeLahoya. Having said that, we still feel that the Nevada State Athletic Commission should use two other judges outside of Nevada's jurisdiction.

RING, RHYME & REASON
By Stephen B. Acunto

The AAIB was very saddened to learn of the passing of St. Claire Richard, editor, publicist and consultant. We recall visiting Clair at her home in Larchmont where she helped pen the first eight purposes for the establishment of the AAIB, which was structured like the League of Women Voters. We still have a copy of the purposes she helped put together in her unmistakable, large handwriting.
She was, in our opinion, a great lady and will be sadly missed by everybody who had the good fortune to be her friend. May she rest in peace.

WEST POINT
Students and coaches from the Westchester County Boxing Club made their annual pilgrimage to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point to cheer the 48th Annual Brigade boxing finals. Holland Center was nearly filled with enthusiastic cadets cheering their favorite participants on in the open boxing finals.We must again thank Lt. Col. Ray Barone for the very professional manner in which he refereed the eleven contests in preparation of the boxing team. It was also very gratifying to have the opportunity to present an award in honor of Herb Kroton, 45-year boxing coach at the Academy. Herb, a former Golden Glove champion was very helpful in the Westchester Community College boxing program, when it was launched in 1978. Further, he was involved in seminars held at the White Plain's Y.M.C.A., the Westchester Community College, and U.S.M.A. in which instructional demonstrations were filmed.

It was indeed refreshing to attend this yearly boxing event because the cadets battling in the ring represent the purest form of the amateur sport.

RING, RHYME & REASON
By Stephen B. Acunto

This is the first weekly column, since the death of my beloved wife, Mercedes, on December 22, 2003. This extraordinary wife, mother, homemaker, outstanding educator and the love of my life continues to inspire me to carry on and continue to achieve certain goals. She was my hero. Her legacy of humility, unconditional love, morality, honesty and educating will continue to live in everyone she touched. As many of her friends, students, colleagues and others showed an outpouring of their beautiful and positive stories about Merce, we received comfort in knowing that she was clearly a true caliber friend and superb role model.

We are very proud at this time that New York State is not using gambling to lure fans into boxing clubs. We have never believed that in a civilized society gambling, legal or otherwise should be the medium of survival for local, state and federal governments. This would allow all future plans to use gambling as a way out for coping with the economy a dead end and stop giving politicians more excuses to bungle the math.
These days, parents that want to take their youngsters to various sporting events, simply can't do so because the average family can't afford the extravagance of pricey tickets, parking and even refreshments.
The readers will think at this point that the writer is very behind the times, perhaps as far back as ancient Greece, where the athletes competed in the Olympics for simply an olive branch, that spelled out honor and pride.
As Mark Twain said, "Prosperity is the best protector of principle." Everybody has a right to earn money, but residents of the United States should not be afraid to state their opinions to terminate the beaurocracy, corruption and "fat cats" that live off other people's money. It seems to be a way of life with people in most businesses, in particular entertainment, to raise the cost of everything as a matter of fact, whether it is warranted or not. The public should try to eradicate these financial debacles by deciding not to buy into gambling casinos in order to watch boxing matches; stop giving in and paying to watch any sporting event on TV, particularly high ticketed Pay-Per-View Boxing.
No one should have to deal with being "ripped off", thus, any productions or products that are abusively high, simply refuse to purchase. You might see a significant difference.

SHORT LIVED
It was predictable that the arrogant, cocky, smoking, drinking, Ricardo Mayorga who captured the title at his first try, lost it just as quickly in a bout vs. Corey Spinks. He stuck his face and taunted Spinks to hit him and Spinks did just that. Spinks' uncle, Michael Spinks, Olympic Gold Medallist and World Champion, who became the first light heavyweight in history to capture the heavyweight crown, twice defeating a great champion, Larry Holmes, is indeed a credit to the ring game. Mike lost only a single fight in his entire illustrious career. We hope that his nephew Corey will follow in his steps.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Two good action packed matches took place on HBO on Saturday, January 24th. A promising 142 pounder with 15 wins and one loss named Francisco Bojada vs. Emmanuel Clotty highlighted the potential of Bojada to move up. He nearly pitched a shutout in winning the bout.

In the main event, the feature attraction, 140 pound title veteran Arturo Gatti overcame the challenge of tough Gianluca Braco in a twelve round duel. Ironically, this was the first encounter in a long time between two native Italians, Braco who lives in Italy and Gatti, who now resides in Newark, N.J. Arturo, who was nicknamed "Thunder" was ready to rumble and proved that he can be an excellent boxer when he elects to box instead of raw slugging. Gatti's straight stand up English square style boxing, showed considerable potential. This was simply a contest where Gatti's superior ring generalship experience vs. caliber opponents prevailed. Despite his winning the match, Gatti again injured his hand. We had Gatti winning nine out of twelve rounds on sheer boxing skill, with excellent advice between rounds from his trainer, former world champion, and now considered one of the best trainers in the business today, Buddy McGirt. We do not know who Gianfranco's next opponent will be, but what we do know is that Arturo, always a crowd pleaser, has been in too many ring wars. What does it profit the fighter to win a championship, amass money, and in doing so deprive himself of the good physical and mental health that he needs at a young age to survive and be involved in another less physically taxing pursuit. Arturo, think about it. We were also happy to see Mickey Ward, Arturo's previous opponent cheer him on from his corner.

Throughout the years, many great champions and fighters have fought both in the ring and out. They have sustained the infamy of mismatches, monopolies and other types of corruption that befall the oldest sport in the world, which brings us to our "Wish List" for 2004:

It was determined at the first ever third level coaches USA seminar held at the Westchester Community College, that the reason why the United States does not have more Olympic Gold Medalists in boxing is due to the fact that very few coaches are properly trained nor do they know the art of boxing. We hope that there is a total revamping of the administration of USA and Olympic boxing and that the coaches are qualified. It's unfortunate that only in boxing, coaches with no background have managed to wiggle there way into amateur boxing. You wouldn't see anyone lacking true knowledge coaching baseball, football or any other major league sports.

Stephen B. Acunto, Co-Founder of the AAIB with Rocky Marciano in 1969 received the American Association of Professional Ringside Physician’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” at their medical seminar held on September 12, 2003 at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.

STANDARDIZATION AND STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF MEDICAL PROCEDURES ARE KEYS TO SAFER, MORE CREDIBLE BOXING

The A.A.I.B. commends the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians and its President, Dr. Michael Schwartz for their pursuit of optimum medical safety through the standardization of strict regulations governing pre-fight and post-fight medical procedures.

While several valid laws have been introduced and passed in recent years, the need to protect the valiant competitors who willingly participate in the oldest and toughest sport in the world must be reflected in careful, thorough medical supervision. Tougher laws are needed to control medical safety. Injuries and fatalities in the ring can be averted almost completely if medical doctors, acting as officials of competent state athletic commissions, set standards and conduct all examinations accordingly. To have a neurologist on the staff of a commission, who would be able to offer neurological training to the commission’s medial staff, should be mandatory. Medical doctors need more authority, acting as the final word for the state commission when, for example, an MRI discloses that an injury sustained to the brain could result in serious damage. Administrators of that commission would be compelled to support the doctor’s findings and suspend the boxer’s license. This information should then be communicated to all states to protect the boxer from himself, from unscrupulous managers or from lax regulatory enforcement.

Hand in hand with this, there must be a concerted organized effort around the country to prevent mismatches resulting from disqualifications. It corrupts the sport when one participant in a boxing match is an ill-suited substitute, who may neither have the experience nor the physical conditioning. An overmatched boxer engaged on short notice is no competitor and is in greater danger of damage than an evenly matched, well-prepared protagonist. The AAIB is calling for the cancellations in lieu of random substitutions.

Dr. Barry Jordan, renowned neurologist, Chairman of the AAIB Medical Board and Medical Director of the New York State Athletic Commission, has presented to the AAIB and other entities the exact procedure that a boxer goes through in a physical examination conducted in New York, which, unlike other states, pays for boxers’ MRI’s. We hope that all the commissions will adopt these procedures:

1. It is mandatory that a stand-by ambulance manned by paramedics be present at all matches.

2. The boxer must have his medical history recorded to determine what, if any medications he takes and if there are or have been any injuries or recurrent medical problems.

3. A complete physical and neurological battery must be administered at appropriate pre and post fight intervals. After passing these tests, another examination should be given at the arena before the fight and after the bout, irrespective of whether or not the athlete wins, loses or draws.

4. Ophthamological exams, MRI’s, EKG and blood tests for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, (females – a pregnancy test), a urine test and a full urine analysis should be administered before and after the bout.

6. Following New York’s example, a doctor should be in each corner. There are doctors in the dressing rooms before and after the fights.

In addition, the AAIB is calling for greater coordination and comprehension between ringside physicians and referees; independent, careful communication.

The AAIB believes that for far too long, boxers have been abused, mistreated, left broken of mind and body, and financially defunct with no livelihood or promise of security.

1. Medical Safety – i.e., uniformity and mandatory standardization of medical examinations given to boxers in every state;

2. Identification of experienced competent administrators to oversee the sport, working with appointed leaders in each jurisdiction;

3. The strictest financial accountability by promoters, managers or whomever dispenses fees to fighters.

AAIB and AAPRP are the professional boxers advocates like no other groups and deserve continued support and participation.

In addition to being a personal loss for those of us who knew and respected this truly fine gentleman, Bill Caytons’s death is a loss to the ring game, and its far too seldom lack of credibility in the management of same.

Cayton, who managed such world champions as Wilfred Benitez and Edwin Rosario is probably best known for having managed Mike Tyson, along with the late Jimmy Jacobs, when Tyson turned pro.

Bill was a consistent supporter of the AAIB and its goals. The following statement, written by him for the organization, summed up how both Bill and the AAIB felt in respect to the ring game:

A Salute to the AAIB, Inc. and to all those fine men in boxing who know the rules, live by the rules, fight by the rules, and fight for the rules

In very carefully observing the Oscar DeLaHoya versus Sugar Shane Mosley fight, we were reminded of a fight that took place between Welshman Tommy Farr and Joe Louis. In that one, there were fifteen blistering rounds. Farr landed more punches than Louis, but the “Brown Bomber” scored with the harder blows . Farr sustained lacerations over and under his eyes. Louis won the fight.

In the case of DeLaHoya and Mosley whether the cuts are sustained from an accidental head butt, (which was not ruled a foul) or a punch , they do handicap a fighter. In the Mosley-DeLaHoya duel, it appeared to this observer that Oscar had out pointed Shane.. The verdict rendered will be the subject of a hearing and investigation. All three judges scored the last four rounds exactly alike, however, they did not concur on all the previous rounds. Therefore, it remains that each of those rounds be carefully examined. It appeared very clearly that DeLahoya landed fast combination blows and that Mosley, who seems to throw one punch at a time, was looking for a knockout. One could hear his own father in the corner telling him that he had to accelerate and increase the punch output or he would lose.

Very rarely do we feel that a rubber match is warranted where two loses in a row are sustained. In this case we feel a third fight is warranted. Despite the ballyhoo that preceded this fight, where plainly the bark was worse than the bite, these types of matches sustain the ring sport. We finally feel that should a third bout take place, it might be a good idea for this fight to take place elsewhere, perhaps in New York, with a different set of judges. In conclusion, we felt that DeLaHoya had earned the nod.

Chris Byrd, a 2003 replica of the style of “Slapsey” Maxie Rosenbloom (who was a great champion), fights like a frenzied fly swatter, has no punch, is boring to watch and therefore, not accepted as an exciting heavyweight. His opponent, Fres Oquendo whose only loss was to David Tua, the hardest punching heavyweight today but, whose ring skills are limited, scored hard blows throughout the entire fight. The decision could have gone either way. We feel that it should have been no more or less than a draw. In this case a return match is warranted simply because there would be interest in the bout. Chris Byrd, we feel, would not be a good draw verus Lennox Lewis or the Klitsckos at this time. Clearly now, Byrd has no appeal. We had suggested a while back, when he was almost 30 pounds lighter than Ruiz and his ineffective punching would make him an ideal heavyweight opponent for Roy Jones, Jr.

I know, from experience as a former professional boxing judge, that the criteria for winning a round is ring generalship, clean effective punches, aggressiveness and defense. For cleaner effective punches, which Oquendo landed in addition to being the aggressor, he should have gotten the winning verdict.

The dramatic entrance befitting a Caesar of boxing was a compelling prologue of what followed in the ring. Baby Joe Mesi of Buffalo, New York demonstrated hard punching and accurately scored combination blows. Joe might have had a psychological advantage based on the sell out crowd in his bailiwick. Mesi, undefeated, pulverized DaVarryl Williamson in round one of the scheduled ten round duel. Mesi displayed the potential to be a leading contender and is now ready to prove he is a new heavyweight hopeful in an anemic division. A meeting versus Angel Oquendo, Chris Byrd or John Ruiz would project Mesi into title recognition status. We place little stock in long undefeated records because they are very often achieved versus mediocre talent boxers in compiling those wins.

It doesn’t help the undefeated fighter to keep winning over disadvantaged talent. When they finally face a true caliber opponent, they fail. I recall when Billy Fox came to the “Big Apple” to fight Jake LaMotta. Fox had a tally of 46-0 and a loud mouthed trainer said, “Who did he fight, his uncle, his cousins or goombahs?”Anyway, Fox stopped Jake, who nobody including Ray Robinson had ever done. Later at a United States Senate hearing, LaMotta admitted that he took a dive.

We hope that Baby Joe Mesi will fight in Southern, New York, perhaps at the Garden. From what we heard he is a very personable fighter and would be good for the sport.

Many years before the death of heavyweight boxer Bradley Rone, the AAIB’s main focus has been for the standardization of medical regulations in the ring game. Specifically, strict accountability for the medical safety of the professional boxer by every commission in the United States is imperative.

What prodded this latest cry by the AAIB, Inc. was the infamy of the latest incident of the mismatch which took place July 18^th, 2003 at Cedar City Raceway, Utah before a paltry audience of one hundred. For a purse which yielded $800.00 Win, Lose, or Draw, the victim in this latest case was Bradley Rone, 34, who entered the ring with a record of 9-47, of which his last 25 bouts were losses. His opponent, Billy Zurman and he fought in Salt Lake City three weeks prior to this meeting.

In an effort to ascertain statistical information, we contacted the governor’s office and after much ambiguity or lack of knowledge regarding their commission, we were put in touch with Ms. Clare Bachman, (Director of the Department of Commerce) because at that juncture, the boxing director, Mr. Richard Weinsoft refused to discuss Rone’s death.

Ms. Bachman told us that she knew literally nothing about the ring game; however, her job entails recommending people to the governor’s office for approval by the senate for appointments, such as Directors and Chairpersons of Boxing. Unfortunately, (while not a shock and certainly nothing new in the political arena) having little or no experience in a field when recommending or hiring people to work is wrong. In a sport as dangerous as boxing, it’s unacceptable. After a tenuous discussion with Bachman, it was evident that clearly she was right in respect to her knowledge of the “sweet science.” She did not know much about it.

In the interest of trying to get a fair assessment of what actually took place and of Utah’s rules, we called Mr. Richard Weinsoft again, and he reluctantly agreed to speak to us.

A. “He passed the physical and looked all right which was enough to let him fight that night. He was not under suspension or we would have honored that.”

When asked to elaborate on the Utah State Athletic Commission’s win - loss ruling in respect to sanctioning fights, Weinsoft told us that it was, “Utah law, old Utah law, period”.

A. “Rone had fought Zurman three weeks prior to this fight in Salt Lake City and one additional time in the state of Utah, a few years ago. I don’t know exactly when.”

Q. Are you included as one of the four chairs on the commission which include Dr. Lunt, PhD., Richard Montanez, and Dr. Lyle Mason, MD?

Weinsoft is the Director of the State Athletic Commission. Unlike the four chairmen, who receive expenses as volunteers, Richard Weinsoft is a part time employee of the Department of Commerce.

Q. Why would you hire Dr. Delacorte when you had Dr. Lyle Mason, MD, an official who is a medical doctor on your board?

A. “Eddie Neuman. He put the bouts together. Boza Edwards got Rone to come and fight.”

Q. Does Utah conduct blood testing for HIV, steroids and other problems that could deter a fight?

Q. Is there any possibility that Brad Rone might have taken an over the counter weight loss drug such as one containing ephedrine, to drop a few pounds?

A. “The toxicology report from the coroner’s office will provide that information.”

Q. Is there anything more specific in the report , such as what might have caused this alleged fatal heart ?.

Mr. Weinsoft seemed quite agitated while being asked about Rone, particularly when asked a few questions for which he didn’t seen to have the answers.. Further, he told us how upset he was at the death of Rone, and that he didn’t know that Brad was fighting to earn some money to pay for his mother’s funeral. But, this does not eradicate antiquated rules and regulations which need to be addressed immediately, even if a state isn’t an active boxing state.

Utah doesn’t stand alone in the lax rule department. Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky, to name a few, need serious regulatory changes.

If a state conducts professional boxing matches once a month, a year or a decade, it needs to have legislation that will protect the professional fighter, not a place where a boxer can go to get a passing grade because the state is allowed to overlook horrendous records, thus permitting the boxer to become a “punching bag” to earn a buck.

Sadly, it seems that Bradley Rone received more press for dying in the square circle on July 18^th, than he received for any of his fights, and he fought some “named” boxers such as Hasim Rahman and Michael Grant. This well liked man, and beloved son and brother was fighting to obtain a purse to pay for his mother’s funeral. Ironically, Rone was to die himself.

We enjoyed reading Russell Sullivan’s novel about Rocky Marciano, “The Rock of His Times.” The revelations in the story make it very worthwhile reading.

LET ME TRY AGAIN