What happens in Vegas...stays in Vegas...but just Vegas...

Las Vegas boxing bans stay in Las Vegas!

April 23, 2006

By Matt Richardson

http://www.fightnews.com/richardson203.htm

If Las Vegas is considered "Sin City" then New York can be considered the "Forgiven City." At least when it comes to the Floyd Mayweather - Zab Judah 10th round fiasco and the controversy surrounding the brief brawl that took place after Judah slammed his opponent with a low blow and followed it up with a rabbit punch. After Mayweather's uncle and trainer Roger invaded the ring, setting off a melee that saw both corners and even allegedly Judah throwing punches, the Nevada State Athletic Commission held a meeting just days after on April 13 in which Roger was fined $200,000 and had his license revoked for one year.

Contrary to popular belief though, Mayweather can still be in his nephew's corner - just not in a Las Vegas ring. "It's an administrative suspension," explained New York State Athletic Commission Chairman Ron Scott Stevens over the weekend. This means that the elder Mayweather is free to do what he does best in other states, including one of the sport's biggest supporters - the Big Apple. This also means that if Judah is heavily penalized (and likely suspended) as is expected when he goes before the Nevada Athletic commission on May 8 he could still be free to apply for a license (and if approved) fight in New York City.

This could be a realistic possibility for the two-division former title-holder since he is from Brooklyn, New York and has fought there twice in the past, most recently being his upset loss to Carlos Baldomir in January at the Theater in Madison Square Garden. Judah, father Yoel and Mayweather corner man Leonard Ellerbe are all expected to be present at the second hearing on the brawl next month in Vegas.

Stevens, though, has enough on his plate without having to concern himself with the hypothetical return of Brooklyn's prodigal son. The former matchmaker and current commission chairman will be presiding over a number of fights in the state over the next few weeks and months. There will be a card taking place in Rochester this Friday (April 28). There will then be two cards in less than a week taking place at the Manhattan Center in mid-town. Lou DiBella will have his monthly "Broadway Boxing" in the big room at the venue on May 19 featuring junior welterweight Edgar Santana in the main event with featherweight Gary Stark Jr. and the return of welterweight Emanuel Clottey on the undercard. Five days later the resurrected Shannon Briggs will do battle on the first of a new series of New York-promoted Cedric Kushner cards. Junior middleweight Matt Vanda and rising middleweight prospect Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin will fight on the undercard. And on June 10th another loudmouth from Brooklyn, Paulie Malignaggi, will attempt to show he's the goods when he tackles WBO junior welterweight title-holder Miguel Cotto in a pay-per-view fight at the Garden.