NEWS
OTHER SPORTS
DIARY
PEOPLE
MATCH REPORTS
SLIDE SHOW
ARCHIVES

Pay-offs made to boxing's sanctioning bodies

Boxing promoters and managers have said that the sport's sanctioning bodies sometimes sell the rankings that lead to more lucrative bouts, The Los Angeles Times has reported.

Promoters also have paid for the annual conventions of the three major sanctioning bodies - the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Council and the International Boxing Federation, the newspaper said yesterday. The three organisations, while acknowledging that promoters do fund their conventions, denied any impropriety. In the 3,500-word story, The Times reported that it uncovered allegations of widespread abuse in the sport.

Alleged payments are being investigated by a federal grand jury in Newark. The Times reported that witnesses have testified that some payments to the sanctioning bodies were made in cash, but that others were less obvious, such as those contained in overpayments of standard fees.

"Iit's just common knowledge that if you want to get something done, you have got to grease their palms,'' said Ron Weathers, a manager in Texas who was subpoenaed by the grand jury in New Jersey. "Eeither 10,000 dollars or 20,000 dollars, depending on where you want the guy rated.''

Weathers said he had made numerous cash payments. Joe Hipp, a struggling heavyweight Weathers managed, Rose through the rankings and was given a title fight against WBA champion Bruce Seldon in 1995. Seldon won on a tko in the tenth round.

"They don't call you up and openly solicit you,'' Weathers said. ''You have to approach them.''

AP