As a licensed promoter and matchmaker for professional boxing in California, I've seen quite a few changes in the past dozen years. Unfortunately,
few have been positive, and the net result is that our great sport, though increasing in popularity, might be in trouble.
Professional boxing is overseen in California by the State Athletic Commission, but severe budget cuts have forced that office to reduce its staff
dramatically.
The Sacramento office has been downsized to just three individuals who are doing the same work that eight staffers handled in 2001. The other office,
in Southern California, where the vast majority of professional boxing events are staged, has been reduced to one man, chief inspector Dean Lohuis,
who is responsible for all licensing, approval of bouts, and being at ringside for the fights. Lohuis has a remarkable ability to answer any questions
regarding any fighter's record, ability, style, trainer and countless other items concerning California's pro boxers. But he's only one man doing the
work of three -- without a secretary.
It's hard to believe, seeing as people are putting up god damn huge money to be there and the really big fights are getting people to pay lots to
watch the thing on their own TV