Bobby Bartels presided over tonight’s meeting. Jose Torres spoke briefly about boxing and the unionization of boxing and the fact that the boxer must have a say in the business of boxing. “The boxer is intelligent” states the former light heavyweight champion, “and should have a say in the negotiations of the bout.” As to the version of the others who are unionizing the fighters Torres simply replied that he is working with Paul Johnson and other world champions for the fighters to have a say in the business structure of the game. Torres a knew Jack Newfield who knew the other contacts who were organization leaders. They met with the others and stated their concerns and goals but were never consulted again. The JAB committee then went their own way with the idea, which left Torres and Johnson out, stated Torres.

Hopefully the two factions can get together and make an agreement, for the better of boxing.

In other news, an award was given to woman boxing pioneer Jackie Tonawanda in Newark, New Jersey on May 11th. Jackie Frazier and Mike Tyson also received awards.

The award for Jackie was the appreciation of pioneering boxing. Award was presented by Larry Hazzard, NJ commissioner of boxing.