Hon. OREN HARRIS, THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, Chairman, Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, DEAR CONRESSMAN HARRIS AND COMMITTEE MEMBER: I appreciate very much receiving your letter of June 22, 1965, asking for my comments on your legislation which you are endeavoring to introduce before Congress. Boxing is probably the oldest of all sports; yet today it is being criticized and attacked on all sides. It seems to be the popular thing to do. In view of the President's plea for physical fitness, the inertia of those connected with boxing to correct what may be wrong with it is distinctly disturbing. Present-day professional boxing is a national disgrace, as the recent heavyweight championship fight between Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston has borne out. Boxing control at present is vested in State commissions who are the sole arbitrators of the sport within their jurisdiction, and membership in the World Boxing Association is purely voluntary, and the two forces together have been unable to cope with professional boxing's unique formation, as the events have indicated. Certainly with the troubled international scene it would seem incongruous for Congress to be preoccupied with a seemingly insignificant facet of our American life, but there is no question that at this point the public interest is also at stake. With the considerable amount of moneys now involved, because of closed-circuit television, and with the relative mobility of the average promotional organization, emphasis need not be on the "live gate" but rather on the ancillary rights. If one jurisdiction finds fault with a promotion, it moves to a more friendly area, like what happened in the last Clay-Liston fight. However unwelcome the establishment of a measure of Federal control may be over such an activity as boxing, many of us feel compelled to acknowledge that it is only through such regulation that this interstate industry can be controlled. because the World Boxing Association in itself has no vested authority and control over State boxing commissions. One of professional boxing's biggest faults is that it has few if any good will ambassadors such as you would find in other sports. Champions are unique sort of persons who do very little to help their own cause, to stimulate interest in boxing, both from the fans' standpoint and that of a young man planning to enter the professional ranks. Inaccurate recordkeeping of boxers, managers, trainers and owners of fights by the various commissions, and the inability of procuring proper information on boxers and managers is boxing's greatest danger. It affords the undesirable an opportunity to wedge its way in and hang on. At the World Boxing Association convention of August 1963, I proposed that professional boxers be made to carry a recordbook, patterned after a seamen's logbook, which would contain such pertinent information as: real name and ring name of boxers, fingerprints, social security number, name of manager, photo of boxer, height and weight, color of eyes, and history of fights and medical history. A boxer would carry this recordbook with him from fight to fight with the respective commissions entering his opponent, result of fight, where held, when, and sign it. I still retain one copy of that proposed recordbook which was distributed at the convention, adopted, but never, for some untold reason, put into effect. I will forward it to you if you so desire. This book would not be a cure-all, but would certainly make a boxer more cautious and concerned about his associates and would also provide commissions with necessary information. Also, because of the element of physical danger to the boxer if professional boxing is not properly supervised, and in many instances it is not in itself, is cause enough for a thorough looking into by your committee. Boxing's cancer is obvious hoodlumism, undercover managers, and the influx of unsavory characters. Federal control could eliminate this. However, I feel that one of the real reasons for professional boxing's lack of real talent fighting today is because amateur boxing, outside of Golden Gloves tournaments, is getting to be a thing of the past. It seems that we are changing our likes and dislikes all the time. And with the other sports such as football, basketball, hockey increasing in interest, boxing is bound to suffer. I have been associated with sports as a sportswriter, editor, commissioner, and participant for 25 years, and we here in Wisconsin have endeavored to make every effort to see that boxing is conducted on the highest plane possible. I hope that these few suggestions will aid your committee. Sincerely yours, FRANK M. FALDUTO, Chairman, State Athletic Commission of Wisconsin. THE RING, INC., July 7, 1965. COMMITTEE ON INTERSTATE AND FOREIGN COMMERCE, GENTLEMEN: There is no doubt about the necessity for the establishment of a Federal boxing commission. Despite constant harping to the contrary, there still are unsavory characters in boxing and influences that a Federal commission backed by a police force would eradicate. Of the utmost importance, if boxing is to survive, are the promotional and matchmaking aspects of the sport. The public is interested only in seeing proper, well-matched bouts, with champions meeting logical contenders and not picking up easy money to the detriment of the public. The World Boxing Association and State and local commissions have been not only inefficient but often derelict in their duties. Selfish interests often have taken precedence over the welfare of boxing and the interests of the public. Commissions alter in their attitudes, depending on their monetary interests. At one time they will force proper matches and insist on adequate supervision over licensing of managers. They will use their offices to insure that promoters and matchmakers do not bilk the public by return matches and by owning pieces of the fighters appearing under their control. On other occasions, commissions appear to be blind mice following the Pied Piper. In addition to the policing action so necessary is the administrative function that a Federal commission could fulfill. It is of the utmost necessity that uniformity of rules governing all boxing be set up to include not only scoring, gloves, size of ring, et al., but the procedures for appointing referees and judges. A schooling should be given all men who are to act as officials to insure not only their knowledge of boxing but that they are capable of performing their duties in an impartial and intelligent manner. Referees and judges should be appointed to State commissions on the basis of proven merit and not, as too often happens, on political maneuvering. There should be a central file of all boxers, managers, seconds, and handlers, with the edicts of the Federal Commission mandatory for all States to follow. The health of boxers must be protected in all States (this is now adequate in some) by proper medical examinations and records, copies of which would go to the central Federal office. There is no lack of interest in good boxing, but there is a lack of faith in those governing the sport and in the promoters who have been running boxing inefficiently from the matchmaking level up through setting up actual competition. The television medium, including the theater and home TV adjunct, must be thoroughly controlled since, in recent years, they have become the hub around which all big fights are run. Often those running such organizations have no interest in boxing other than feathering their nests for a quick payoff and then leaving the ailing sport in worse condition. The paucity of fan interest in poor matches is understandable, but the fantastic interest in championship matches is indicative of the status of boxing in the international theater. Under proper control, boxing has a vital place. As a former officer in the Army, I believe that the national virility is served by such red-blooded activity on both the amateur and professional levels, but I must emphasize, under proper supervision, and that is a Federal Commission. Sincerely, NAT LOUBET. SILVER SPRING, MD., July 7, 1965. DEAR SIRS: I am a professional boxer. By writing this letter I think I am speaking for a great number of people, especially fighters who are in the boxing business for one reason: they love boxing. We have something to say. Boxing has already been banned in Connecticut. Even if a Federal Boxing Commissioner is appointed, chances are it will not be restored there. I am afraid that other States will follow Connecticut's example. Jack Johnson, Joe Gans, and Joe Louis are part of America's heritage. And what better ambassador of good will have we than Ray Robinson? Boxing is the oldest of all sports and the only truly universal sport. It is good for the country. I only ask that you do what you can to keep boxing alive. Many people need it. Gratefully yours, ADRIAN ROBINSON. WILMER, CUTLER & PICKERING, Congressman OREN HARRIS, Chairman, House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. HARRIS: There is enclosed a copy of what is intended to be a model contract for a boxer and his manager. The contract is intended to safeguard the financial and physical well-being of the boxer, among other things. This contract is the result of joint effort by Prof. Joseph Brown, of Princeton University, and me. Neither of us has any percuniary interest in any aspect of the matter and merely developed this contract to see if its adoption might improve the sport of boxing in any way. This contract is forwarded to you in the event you wish to include it as part of the material in the forthcoming hearings before your committee on the subject of a need for a Federal commissioner of boxing. Very truly yours, AGREEMENT made this day of S. J. LANAHAN. 19-, between hereinafter referred to as Boxer, and hereinafter referred to as Manager. WITNESSETH: In consideration of the covenants and conditions hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: A. TERM OF CONTRACT The Boxer shall render services solely and exclusively to the Manager in such boxing contests and exhibitions related to boxing as shall be arranged by the Manager in the manner hereinafter described. Such services shall be rendered for a period of two years from the date of the approval of this Agreement by the Athletic Commissioner of State, except that such period may be less than two years if this Agreement is cancelled in the manner provided in paragraph 1 of Article C. B. COMPENSATION OF MANAGER 1. The following percentages of the amount of the boxing earnings (as defined in paragraph 2 of this Article) for the calendar year, or for such part thereof during which this Agreement shall be in effect, shall be paid over to the Manager 2. For purposes of this Agreement, boxing earnings shall be the total amount received or accrued by the Boxer for boxing contests and exhibitions related to boxing less the following expenses paid or incurred by or on behalf of the Boxer during the calendar year in which such contests or exhibitions take place: (a) costs of necessary equipment, (b) fees necessary for obtaining the licenses for the Boxer to exercise his profession, (c) gymnasium and training camp expenses, (d) expenses, which are directly related to the exercise by the Boxer of his profession, and which are paid or incurred for transportation, living accommodations for the Boxer, Manager, and such other personnel as may be required by the Boxer, (e) medical and dental expenses of whatever nature arising from any Injury suffered in the performance of his profession by the Boxer whether or not such expenses arise from an injury which was suffered before the effective date of this Agreement, (f) payments for training and public relations personnel, and (g) medical expenses for examination and tests required by Article D of this Agreement. For purposes of this paragraph, boxing earnings shall be determined on the basis of receipts and expenditures of each calendar year or such lesser part thereof during which this Agreement shall be in effect. In determining boxing earnings, this paragraph shall be construed so as to match insofar as possible the earnings from boxing contests and exhibitions related to boxing against the expenses related to the particular contests and exhibitions taking place within the calendar year (or such part thereof for which this Agreement may be in effect) although the earnings and expenses may not have been received or paid within the calendar year (or such lesser part). The preceding sentence shall not apply to medical expenses described in (e) of this paragraph 2. 3. In the event that the expenses described in paragraph 2 of this Article (other than expenses described in (e) of such paragraph) exceed 20 percent of the total earnings of the Boxer derived from boxing contests and exhibitions related to boxing in any calendar year (or such part thereof for which this Agreement may be in effect) then the excess of such expenses shall be the personal liability of the Manager to be paid by him. 4. The Manager shall forward a statement of the boxing earnings of the Boxer for each calendar year (or such part thereof for which this Agreement may be in effect) to the State Athletic Commission which shall approve this Agreement as provided in paragraph 2 of Article E, and a copy of such statement shall be furnished to the Boxer. The statements required by this paragraph shall show separately the amount received or accrued for each boxing contest or exhibition related to boxing in which the Boxer has engaged during the calendar year (or such part thereof for which this Agreement is in effect) and shall separately list the items of expense set forth in paragraph 2 of this Article. The statements shall be rendered within 60 days after the close of the calendar year, or after the close of such part thereof for which this Agreement shall be effective, whichever date is earlier. C. CONTESTS 1. The Manager shall use his best efforts to secure remunerative boxing contests or exhibitions related to boxing, or both, for the Boxer. In the event that the Manager does not obtain a boxing contest for the Boxer for a period of four months after a request in writing for such a contest has been made by the Boxer, and a copy of such request has been filed with the State Athletic Commission which shall approve this Agreement as provided in paragraph 2 of Article E, then the Boxer shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. 2. The Manager shall consult with the Boxer before executing any contract on his behalf, and the Boxer, in his sole discretion shall have the right, before such contract is executed, to refuse to engage in any specific boxing contest or exhibition related to boxing. 3. The Boxer shall faithfully fulfill any contract entered into on his behalf under the circumstances described in paragraph 2 of this Article by the Manager and the Boxer shall attend to all training exercises as the Manager shall require. 4. The Boxer shall not engage in more than one boxing contest in any 14-day period which is scheduled to extend eight rounds or more. 5. While this Agreement is in effect, the Boxer shall not take part in any boxing contest or exhibition related to boxing except as shall be agreed upon between the Boxer and Manager. 6. It is understood that this Agreement relates only to the exercise by the Boxer of boxing skills in boxing contests or exhibitions related to boxing. Among the activities of the boxer to which this agreement does not relate are public appearances, speeches, dramatic performances, and employment of any kind for wages in any occupation other than one involving the use of boxing skills in boxing contests or exhibitions related to boxing. D. HEALTH RULES 1. The Manager shall arrange for periodic examination of the Boxer's physical condition by a physician (other than a physician appointed by the Athletic Commission of any State) licensed to practice in the State where the Boxer maintains his principal residence and such examinations shall occur at least once during every 6-month period while this Agreement is in effect. 2. In the event that the Boxer shall be rendered unconscious (whether or not in a boxing contest) or in the event that a boxing contest shall be stopped because of the Boxer's inability to continue, the Manager shall arrange for the Boxer to undergo encephalographic, or similar tests to determine the extent of brain damage, if any, and the manager shall forward the results of such tests to the Athletic Commission of the State in which the contest took place. The Manager shall also forward a copy of such results to the Athletic Commission of the State in which the next contest of the Boxer takes place at least 10 days prior to the time when such contest is scheduled to occur. E. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES 1. It is understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto that the services of the boxer are extraordinary, exceptional and unique. 2. This agreement shall not be valid until both parties have appeared before the State Athletic Commission and the said commis sion has approved this agreement in writing. 3. This contract is null and void if during its term either the boxer or the manager is not duly licensed by the said commission. 4. The manager and the boxer both certify and warrant to each other and to the said commission, to induce its approval hereof, that no other person (except as hereinafter stated) in any way participates in the boxing earnings of the boxer, or in the manager's portion of such earnings, and that no oral or written agreement exists concerning such sharing or participation. The persons, other than the manager, who participate in the boxing earnings of the boxer are: A description of the oral contract, or a copy of the written contract, with any of such persons is attached hereto. 5. The manager and the boxer both certify and warrant to each other and to the said commission, to induce its approval hereof, that if any person in any way participates in the boxing earnings of the boxer or in the manager's portion of such earnings, during the period for which the agreement shall be in effect, then it shall be the duty of each to notify the said commission in writing forthwith setting forth all circumstances of such participation. As witness the hands and seals of the parties hereto : Boxer (Whereupon, at 12:20 p.m., the committee adjourned, subject to call of the Chair.) |