CBZ News Archives: May 2004
Ray Mercer Retires
By Mike DeLisaRay Mercer, heavyweight boxer, has informed the Florida State Athletic Commission that he has retired from boxing. Mercer's letter provides:
To Whom it may concern:
I wish to inform the Florida State Athletic Commission that I, Raymond Mercer, will retire from the sport of professional Boxing effective immediately. I have informed my colleagues, friends, loved ones and most important, my promoter. Warrior’s Boxing Promotion was made aware of my decision on Monday the 24th of May, 2004.
For some time this has been a decision that has been contemplated by my family and myself and we have decided that this is best. I have been referred to as the “Gate Keeper” of the heavy weight division but ironically I am not able to obtain lucrative opportunities in the division. The opponents chosen for me do not allow for a competitive risk-reward ratio. Boxing has been my life and a wonderful life it has been but it does not make sense for me to continue.
I would like to thank the many people along the way that made my career possible from the Trainers, Managers, Investors, Promoters, Athletic Commissions and most important the FANS. Without all the previously named individuals there would have been no Ray Mercer. I have no regrets in this decision and one day I wish to look back and see that the sport has progressed and not digressed as it has lately.
Once again I, Raymond Mercer, retire from the sport of professional Boxing. Should you have any questions please contact my long time friend and confidant Vincent LaManna.
Sincerely, Raymond Mercer
The CBZ wishes Mercer well. Ray Mercer's Ring Record is in the CBZ Encyclopedia.
Posted by mike@cyberboxingzone.com">mike@cyberboxingzone.com">delisa @ 09:58 AM EST [Link]
AX FALLS ON OREGON BOXING DIRECTOR
By JASON VONDERSMITH
The Portland Tribune, Fri, May 21, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jim Cassidy, the much-maligned executive director of the Oregon Boxing and Wrestling Commission, has been terminated from the position he had held since 1999. His supervisor, Capt. Bob Sundstrom of the Oregon State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, would not comment on the decision, citing confidentiality of the personnel investigation. Cassidy was the subject of a probe over his handling of a boxing card in Pendleton last October. Promoters wrote bad checks, and one boxer and some officials never got paid, even after a $10,000 bond was broken to cover the expenses. Detectives also looked into Cassidy’s dealings with promoters, licensing of promoters and administration of rules. Sundstrom says Cassidy’s position will be filled temporarily by retired state police Lt. Bill Linhardt, “just to make sure the paperwork flows.” The state will advertise for the full-time executive director position, which will pay between $31,800 and $46,800 per year. Cassidy did not return calls from the Tribune.Posted by kkdunn0@yahoo.com">kkdunn0@yahoo.com">kdunn @ 07:44 PM EST [Link]
CHINOOK WINDS AMATEUR RESULTS
Lincoln City, OR
May 21st, 20041. Logan Christina, West Portland, 95lb, 13 yr open old won over JuanHeraldez, Las Vegas NV2.Gavin Scott, West Portland, 142, Senior moved to 8-0 with a win overElijah Peters, Tacoma3. Gilbert Martinez, Las Vegas, 119, Sr open won over Ulysses Garcia,Rochester, WA4. Oscar Hernandes, West Portland, 153 open won over Nate Smith, Tacoma5. Junior Martinez, West Portland, 114, 14 yr open won over Sequane Rivera, Puyallup, WA6. Trona Free, Albany 201+ Sr open won over Eric Boose, Puyallup, Wa 7. Lonnie Smith, Las Vegas 125 Sr open won over Ken Christian, West Portland8. Roger Cantrell, Tacoma, 165 Sr open won over Bo Marthaller, Albany9. Eloy Perez, Rochester, WA 139 Sr open won over Anthony Martinez, LasVegas, NVThe best show yet for Chinook Winds. Results provided by Coach Bill Meartz of the West Portland Boxing Club.
Posted by kkdunn0@yahoo.com">kkdunn0@yahoo.com">kdunn @ 06:50 PM EST [Link]
Hitz Friday May 7th Event Cancelled
After receiving word this afternoon that two of the headline fighters for this Friday's Rockford Rumble are injured, Hitz Boxing has announced the postponement of the event.
Bobby Hitz stated,"I haven't canceled an event in 12 years. However, with the local guys off the card, it just doesn't make sense anymore. I'm trying to build a new market in Rockford and need those Rockord fighters to build the fanbase there. Regrettably, the event will be rescheduled when the fighters are healthy. Thank you to the local media and sponsors for their tremendous support."
Posted by jdvena@cyberbozingzone.com">jdvena@cyberbozingzone.com">jdvena @ 08:50 AM EST [Link]
