Posted on: Saturday, June 4, 2005

Amateur boxing reinstated by state commission

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

After a one-week knockdown, amateur boxing in Hawai'i is back up from the canvas.

The Hawai'i State Boxing Commission reinstated amateur boxing yesterday after the USA Boxing Hawai'i chapter submitted paperwork to prove that it has a license to promote events.

"They are licensed in accordance with the state of Hawai'i law," said Willes K. Lee, chairman of the Commission. "So amateur boxing can now hold events."

The Commission shut down amateur boxing events in Hawai'i last week after it was discovered that USA Boxing Hawai'i was operating without a promoter's license.

"It's always good news if the boxers can go forth," said Ralph Martin, president of the USA Boxing Hawai'i chapter. "But I don't think this should have been a big issue to begin with. We had our paperwork ready (last week). There was no need to make a big scene."

Lee said last week's shutdown did not affect any boxing events, and "was more symbolic than anything else."

"We needed to make the point that if they are going to be part of boxing in Hawai'i, they have to follow the rules," Lee added.

However, Martin and USA Boxing Hawai'i are not completely in the clear.

Martin submitted a 2004 financial report yesterday, but the Commission found it to be insufficient.

The Commission gave Martin until July 1 to provide a more detailed financial report as well as paperwork proving that his events and boxers are insured.

"That's not going to be a problem," Martin said. "We don't make money off this thing and ... we have the best insurance plan out there."

Lee said any upcoming amateur boxing events must still be approved by the Commission, and USA Boxing Hawai'i would have a difficult time receiving approval for its cards without a detailed financial report and proof of insurance.

Eiichi Jumawan, head coach of the PearlSide Boxing Club, said his main concern is getting the amateur boxers back in the ring.

"For every club and every coach, the most important thing is keeping the kids active," Jumawan said. "Hopefully everything is settled — or will be settled — and our kids can get the experience they need."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.