19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

BOXING: NOTICE TO THE WORLD
Sirs:
I wish to congratulate you upon the excellent coverage that you have always given to boxing, but more particularly in your recent issues. You refer to the recent report made to our Governor Brown by Attorney General Mosk concerning the operation of our commission ("What Every Governor Should Know," EVENTS & DISCOVERIES, Aug. 17). This report was indeed penetrating and fair. We enjoy a close relationship with our attorney general, and have great respect for him.

Your article was also timely, accurate and fair, except for what was likely an inadvertent implication that our commission had an ulterior motive in approving certain bouts that might be tainted by hoodlum connections. This ulterior motive, your article implied, was a theoretical fear that we might have concerning the loss of tax revenues and hence lack of money to pay our salaries.

I can understand your wording, as similar talk is frequently heard in boxing circles throughout the country. However, it can hardly be applied to California, since we draw no salary—not a dime.

The problem we have in preventing hoodlum participation in the larger imported fights is that all persons involved come to us with a license from some other area. Since the illegal activity of the hoodlums often takes place in their home states, and because of the assumption in America that everyone is innocent until proved guilty, it is next to impossible for us to gather adequate evidence of guilt in the short time usually allowed.

We have been successful, to our satisfaction, in several cases, and licenses were denied. Unfortunately, those denied the right to be active in California are often welcomed elsewhere. Rest assured, and you can give notice to the world, that the California commission will deny licenses to hoodlums whenever it has sufficient legal evidence to do so—and regardless of the effect upon tax revenues.

A nationwide solution may well be dependent upon the increased interest of honest local commissions in national matters and probably federal regulation, and our attorney general's recommendation in this connection must be explored in great detail.
HARRY W. FALK JR.
Member, California Athletic
Commission
Ukiah, Calif.

Sirs:
Boxing is a big business and crosses state lines. Neither the State of New York nor any other state can correct the situation by itself.

I suggest federal legislation covering the following:

A federal commissioner, appointed perhaps for life. This man should not be a politician or anyone connected with boxing today He must be a man with courage, ability, imagination and integrity.

He should have the authority and duty to select all challengers for championship matches and elimination tournaments.