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Measure sought to legalize white-collar boxing shows in NY

By MICHAEL VIRTANEN | Associated Press Writer

May 1, 2008

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NEW YORK - While two boxers traded jabs and feints in the raised ring nearby, Bruce Silverglade said the only reason he needed to form a nonprofit corporation and needs a new state law is to put on white-collar boxing shows.

For the owner of storied Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, about 75 percent of his customers now are white-collar professionals. They train and many spar. Some want to go public in shows like Silverglade staged for 17 years, selling $15 or $20 tickets to cover costs, until the state shut them down more than two years ago. The major difference from sparring is the audience, he said.

"It's not a brawl at all. It's really a form of dance," said Tony Cucchiara, dripping with sweat. At 57, the Brooklyn College professor had been hitting mitts held by veteran trainer Hector Rocha, who trained former junior welterweight champ Arturo Gatti and actress Hillary Swank here for her role in "Million Dollar Baby." Cucchiara acknowledged getting two black eyes in his only public bout, but said it was fun and he hasn't heard of anybody getting seriously hurt.

"You have a full house here. People are rooting for you. It's much more excitement," he said. "Guys work to that. You need that goal."

State law allows professional boxing licensed by the New York State Athletic Commission, with statutory exceptions for military and scholastic boxing programs, as well as amateur boxing regulated by specific sanctioning organizations that adhere to safety and health standards. Pending legislation would add white collar boxing to those exceptions.

Phil Syers, a paralegal and skilled former amateur, went several rounds with Alex Witriol, a state worker in the ring for only the third time. Syers mostly moved and blocked punches, threw occasional jabs, crosses and hooks at Witriol's headgear, never hammering him.

"Most people are cool like that," Syers said later. "There's no posturing."

Advised by commission officials there would need to be a corporation to supervise this branch of the sport, Silverglade formed U.S. White Collar Boxing Inc. It has the same basic medical and safety rules as USA Boxing that governs licensed amateurs, like annual physicals and ringside doctors. At Gleason's events, the three-round bouts will be only two minutes or less, with referees quick to step in, heavier gloves, headgear, and both hands raised at the end, Silverglade said.

Justin Blair, owner of Manhattan's Church Street Boxing Gym, also used to put on white-collar events and said he probably has 50 to 100 boxers who would do it now.

"They were very popular," he said. "It gave weekend warriors a chance to get up in front of a crowd and strut their stuff."

The sport has taken off in Britain, where Princes Harry and Andrew attended a card to support a friend. Gyms across the U.S. offer white-collar boxing workouts, and many permit sparring after newcomers get some basic skills and conditioning. There have been shows in other cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago. An attempt to put on a large white-collar show on Long Island precipitated New York's crackdown.

Last year, the New York Senate approved white-collar boxing, but the measure hung up in the Assembly, where Silverglade has spoken to key lawmakers.

"The bottom line is you've got to get clarity," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a former amateur boxer who has trained at Gleason's and said Silverglade knows what he's doing. "The Assembly seems to be kind of finding their way with what makes sense."

Assemblyman Steven Englebright, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development, said the panel consider the measure in the next several weeks.

Silverglade said his organization could wind up monitoring similar events across the state, which he didn't set out to do. He said retired boxers could supervise shows, their expenses reimbursed by the gym, charity or group putting on shows, to ensure safety rules are followed.

Blair said it would be fine for Silverglade to run the sanctioning organization. "Somebody needs to step up. Thankfully he has."

"Because I did other events besides white collar boxing, understanding what safety standards are, I implemented them even though shows were operated in the gray area of the law," Blair said. While nobody was hurt, he had an ambulance standing by and two doctors on hand.

"I'm not worried about me, but because there was no regulation I was concerned about other people who might cut corners or don't have enough experience to run a safe event," he said.

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On the Net:

State Athletic Commission: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/athletic/index.html

Gleason's: http://www.gleasonsgym.net

Church Street: http://www.churchstreetboxing.com