30.08 - Just when you thought you had seen the last alphabet soup of professional boxing, here comes the USA.

If Sen. John McCain has his way, it won't be the WBA, WBC or IBF but the USA that will call the shots for pro boxing.

I will be the first to admit, pro boxing needs help and could use a good old-fashion house cleaning.

I can start with the sanctioning bodies and their hand picked judges. What about promoters who will sell out a fighter for a sold-out arena? Let's not forget trainers who crave a win and championship belt at the expense of their fighter's health.

You can come up with hundreds of reasons to regulate boxing, but the federal government? Please! I will take a ten count on that one.

Just imagine what boxing would look like if the federal government ran it. First of all, fights would be held in the rotunda of the U.S. Capital with the senators and congressmen sitting at ringside. Other choice seating would go to lobbyist and special interest groups.

Who would judge the fights? Can you imagine Justice Clarence Thomas judging a fight between Lenox Lewis and Vladimir Klitscho? Lewis had better win by knock out!

What kind of promotion would the fight get? I can assure you, there would be plenty of dirty campaign ads, shoving matches and storming out of press conferences.

There's one good thing about a government regulated boxing match; there would be plenty of money for the fighters. Both fighters would make millions on the front end, taxed on the back end and then jailed for not filing a tax return by April 15.

What would become of the Don Kings and Bob Arums with the government in charge of boxing? They would probably become paid consultants.

Boxing would be a cleaner gentler sport with shorter rounds, no hitting an opponent if he seems not to like it. No hitting below the belt or behind the head unless there is an amendment with the U.S. boxing rules. The House and Senate would have to debate it once it came out of committee meetings and then the president would sign it into law.

Last but not least, fighters would no longer be permitted to pray in their corners before, during or after a fight. It would be unconstitutional.

Let's face it people; the true regulators of boxing has and will always be the fans. It is up to us to say what is right or wrong and whether we will continue to support it.

I enjoy a great boxing contest. I look forward to more exciting events. I don't have all the answers for pro boxing but adding the government certainly is not one of them.

Sen. McCain on behalf of boxing fans all over the world, if you will keep George Bush out of boxing, we will keep Don King out of politics.

Questions/Comments: rtown528@yahoo.com