Proposal Gets Executioner's Support

Paul-John Ramos

08.02 - Washington, D.C. - A new proposal for the nationwide regulation of boxing got important support on Wednesday as undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins spoke before the United States Senate Commerce Committee.

Hopkins, often critical of promoters' tactics and sanctioning bodies' hankerings, has been inactive as a fighter since defeating Felix Trinidad for the world middleweight championship, but very active in promoting the rights of fighters. His appearance on Wednesday was in support of a bill by Arizona senator John McCain, which would place all state athletic commissions under a unifying body called the United States Boxing Administration. The USBA would standardize boxing regulations across the country, including licensing, medical supervision, the conduct of promoters, and the system by which fighters are ranked.

Hopkins was one of several at the hearing to discuss boxing's problems. HBO Sports president Ross Greenberg, of a network that no longer mentions sanctioning bodies on-air, expressed views similar to The Executioner's. Promoter Don King did not appear at the committee, but voiced opposition to the proposal in a written statement. He feels that a national commission would discourage free trade and that television networks holding fighters under contract would not be subject to the same rules as promoters. King, a well-known target of Hopkins, favors an amendment to the Ali Act rather than a national bureau.

Committee head McCain introduced a similar bill in last year's session. It was passed by the committee but tabled in the Senate chamber.