January 2002 - July 2006 - The Jerry Quarry Foundation

the promotional aspects of professional fights. Thus the bill would be treat
all the same, and the greatest beneficiaries of the current business practices
would not be exempt from regulation.While many of the entities presently
excluded from this bill (eg. the cable networks)have not engaged in the bulk of
the wrongful acts negatively impacting the fighters and the fans, it is
important to note that the implementation of this bill as currently proposed
will not significantly alter the landscape of boxing unless it brings together
all the important parties to this billion dollar enterprise under the single
rubric of federal regulation. Then again, another important consideration
is whether the major players, HBO and Showtime, would simply move their
operations to overseas sites to avoid any federal oversight. However, major
drawbacks in adopting that strategy would not only be a lessening of interest in
paying for and in watching the fights overseas, but also the presence of fewer
wealthy people playing the casino tables and attending the fights themselves.
And thus the important site fees might provide less revenue—a significant
incentive to continue to stage the fights in the United States.
Secondly, Congress should amend this proposed bill to include a
provision that forces the United States Boxing Commission (USBC) to describe all
of the financial, safety, administrative, and promotional terms of each contract
governing all such aspects of each match that it regulates both in writing and
in English. However, if one or both the fighters involved does not write and
speak that form of communication, the USBC should then use another language or
languages understandable by both fighters regarding all of the above-mentioned
provisions of the contest.The main reason for the proposed changes as
described above is to help resolve one of the major issues in professional
boxing, namely the unfair bargaining position of the fighter in terms of
negotiating for his/her best interest. If a fighter receives copies of the
information above in writing and in a language that he/she reads, then the boxer
can better fend for his/her rights. By including these provisions in S.148, and
by passing the balance of this bill as it is presently written, the other
Congressional members and yourselves can greatly assist the fighters in better
managing their financial interests and moving towards more effectively setting
up a union, eliminating from their ranks boxers who do not have the pugilistic
skills to begin or continue boxing, getting pensions, and qualifying for both
unemployment and workmen’s compensation benefits when such circumstances arise.
Furthermore, it is significant to note that the other major sports never began
to care about their athletes until the athletes themselves organized on behalf
of their own best interests and thus overthrew the chains of exploitation that
bound them.Thirdly, the bill should contain a provision directing the
issuance of permanent administrative retirements by the USBC to fighters who are
unable to defend themselves in the ring any longer. This section would
apply to fighters who are physically and mentally healthy, but whose skill level
is too deficient and inadequate for them to successfully compete in a
professional boxing match. One recent example of this having occurred has been
the administrative suspension of former Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield
by the New York State Athletic Commission because of the deterioration of his
boxing skills, and his resulting poor performances in recent matches.
If you want to provide feedback or ask questions concerning this letter
or any other related subjects, I can be reached at ehnpbsa@aol.com,
330.743.2898, or 142 Upland Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505Finally, Mr.
Stephen Acunto, Sr., Co-Founder of the AAIB, and other individuals connected
with that formidable organization, also stand ready, willing, and able to help
with these legislative matters concerning this great sport. I am
Sincerely yours,GEORGE L. OTTO, BCD, ESQUIRE, ICADC, LICDC,
LISW, MSUS, SAPChief Counsel/Legislative ConsultantCc. Other members
of Congress|
|9/5/05 02:27:34 AM|Ex Pug|The Blue