MMA News Forums - NY Governor Appoints New Boxing Commissioner for 2009

Now we know why Dana said it'll be next year before se see MMA in NY.

Quote:

Athletic commisioner named
July 25, 2008 at 11:32 am by Rick Karlin
Gov. David Paterson just named former boxing judge Melvina Lathan as athletic commissioner (much of that job involves regulating boxing).

Lathan was the state’s first female African American boxing judge in 1991, now she’s the first Black female athletic commissioner too.

Paterson also on Friday nominated State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres to fill a seat on the commission. In addition to his judicial duties, Torres has written three crime novels and the screenplay for Carlito’s Way.

Here’s the release on Lathan:

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Melvina Lathan will serve as New York State Athletic Commissioner. Lathan’s appointment was confirmed by the State Senate on May 30, 2007. A former professional boxing judge, Lathan is the first African American woman to serve as commissioner. The Commission was founded in 1920.

“I am thrilled to announce that Melvina Lathan will serve as our State’s new Athletic Commissioner,” said Governor Paterson. “She has had a remarkable career in the field of boxing and I know that she will bring her wealth of experience, energy and passion for sports to her new role. I can think of no one better to lead our State Athletic Commission.”

New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan said: “I am honored and flattered Governor Paterson has chosen me to lead the New York State Athletic Commission. I pledge to maintain the original mission of the Athletic Commission and catapult it to meet the demands of today’s boxing industry. In 1911, New York became the first state in the nation to regulate the sport of boxing. Our primary objective is protecting the health, safety and welfare of the participants. Today, our goal is to continue to be the standard-bearer for professional boxing in the United States.”

New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez: “I am proud at the appointment of Commissioner Melvina Lathan for two reasons. First, it points to the extraordinary foresight of our Governor. Second, it underscores Commissioner Lathan’s long and renowned dedication to the field of boxing. Commissioner Lathan is an amazing individual with an outstanding vision for the New York State Athletic Commission. She believes in strengthening the regulation of boxing and other related sports, as well as enhancing the medical oversight and well-being of participants in these professional sports. Under her leadership, New York State will be viewed as a national model in the boxing profession.”

Congressman Charles Rangel said: “Melvina Lathan has been breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes all of her life. We are all proud to see her become this state’s Athletic Commissioner, not only because she will be an effective and ethical caretaker of sports in our state, but also because she will be an inspirational role model for both young girls and boys.”

Lathan became the first African American female licensed as a Professional Boxing Judge in New York in 1991. During her distinguished career she has judged more than 235 fight cards, including 82 World Title Bouts across the United States, Europe, and South America. Commissioner Lathan has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, received the Legend Award from the Women In Sports Foundation, the Rocky Marciano Award from the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, and international recognition from Budapest, Hungry for promoting boxing safety and standards to their boxing officials.

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) is comprised of three members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. The Governor designates one of the members as Chair of the Commission. NYSAC is charged to enforce the rules and regulations pertaining to the supervision and regulation of boxing and wrestling activities in the State of New York. Additionally, the Commission grants and administers licenses, recommends changes or alternatives as appropriate for the sports of boxing and wrestling, and promotes these sports throughout New York State.

Governor Paterson also recently nominated Judge Edwin Torres to fill the third seat on the Commission. Torres is a New York State Supreme Court Justice and the author of three gritty crime novels and two screenplays including Carlito’s Way. Torres’ nomination is currently pending State Senate confirmation.

New York Politics Capitol Confidential : Albany Times Union : timesunion.com : Capitol confidential » Athletic commisioner named