Boxing's Machado ends 25-year tenure

Advertiser Staff

Mike Machado will end a 25-year stay as executive secretary of the Hawai'i State Boxing Commission when he retires in December.

Machado, 63, is one of only three to hold the position since World War II, following Bill Kim and Bobby Lee.

"He's been the heart and soul of the commission for many years," said Ted Candia, commission chairman.

Machado, a state investigator for 15 years, succeeded Lee as executive secretary in 1978. Machado also formerly served as a ratings official with the World Boxing Council and North American Boxing Federation. As executive secretary, Machado has been responsible for assisting the appointed commissioners in regulation of boxing.

Machado helped steer the commission through some of its controversial chapters including its refusal to grant a license to the aging Muhammad Ali in 1981.

"I don't know what the many commissions or the fight game would do without him," Candia said.

In the late 1970s and early '80s, professional boxing averaged almost a show a month. But in recent years only a handful of cards have been held each year.

"If the boxing was as busy as it was in the earlier years, I'd probably stick around for a while longer," Machado said.

As part of his current state duties, Machado also oversees four other state boards and commissions.

No successor has yet been named for the boxing commission position.