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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Coach Resigns, Crawford in Town, Boxing News By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Wed, 04 Feb 2015  Boxing Fans, Special Edition: As of Thursday, 1/29, 2015 embattled Arizona amateur coach Jose Lopez (Azteca Boxing) resigned as a ?member? of USA Boxing Arizona after Lynette Smith, USA Boxing Official, National Headquarters in Colorado asked the coach to provide copies of certain documents (Birth Certificate, Driver?s License, etc.) which would either exonerate or substantiate charges that he (Lopez) was less than truthful on his application to become a member of USA Boxing Arizona. Lopez refutes all charges; instead he cites health issues (chronic kidney disease and diabetes) as contributing factors that led to his withdrawal from the organization. I don?t believe his departure will silence or stop his critics from pursuing him on moral and legal grounds; however, he isn?t a well man and sometimes indignation and a defiant sense of righteousness can lead dissenters to overact. . Remember, he who cast the first stone must look at the mud on his or her own shoe piling on a defenseless soul who has already paid a pound flesh with his humbling resignation. Initially when whispers started to suggest there was trouble in ?River City? so to speak for Jose Lopez, USA Boxing Arizona President Jacob Magallanez defended the beleaguered coach as did others in the Arizona boxing community. A friend of mine called me recently to remind me that Lopez has worked as a coach for 3 years while Arizona Boxing officials have never, on the record, questioned or checked his personal background or resume: what does that say about the organization and its? protection of youth. He also faces allegations that he attempted to use someone else?s Social Security Card improperly and there is a litany of other charges that may frame neighborhood conversations or be debated in a court of law. I want to make it abundantly clear that Mr. Lopez wasn?t suspended because there isn?t clear evidence that he was actually a member of USA Boxing Arizona. During former USA Boxing Arizona President Mike Sanchez tenure as the elected leader of the organization, Lopez wasn?t allowed to work amateur boxing corners because he didn?t pass background check. His status changed when Jacob Magallanez became President three years ago. Before his designed exit Lopez was given a chance to forward the documents requested and instead sent a letter of resignation to Ms. Smith citing his need to take care of life threatening health issues including chronic Kidney problems and Diabetes. The tone of the communiqu? was civil and he thanked Ms. Smith for contacting him personally. His resignation was accepted and he will no longer be permitted to coach amateur boxing until he clears an independently conducted background check and answer allegations of lying and cheating while coaching young men and women boxing skills and fitness techniques during a span of at least three years according to sources familiar with Lopez and his involvement with the organization. His departure from USA Boxing doesn?t rule out a future in professional boxing as a trainer, manager, etc. if his health permits and he repairs his tarnished image. It is a sad ending to a story that started with whispers and innuendos and ended with charges of fraud, lying and cheating against Mr. Lopez, a winning coach and a sometime resource to this column. After telephone tips and emails suggesting misconduct came to my attention, an investigation was launched. Lopez denied the charges categorically and described the accusations as politically motivated. Writers, worth their salt, have an obligation to objectively investigate such matters and not it is to USA Boxing and the legal system to decide their next course of action. Mr. Magallanez remains President and the Lopez resignation may play heavily on his decision to run again. In recent days, I have heard the names of Andrew Soto, Juan Varela and Mike Sanchez as possible candidates for the position regardless of what the current president decides to do. It is a difficult job and whoever wins the position must implement changes that will build confidence in the Arizona amateur boxing community; right now morale is very low. Print Error: When I saw Manny and Floyd appear together on The Filipino Channel (Direct TV #2060) I thought the two boxing superstars meet at a basketball game in the Philippines where Pac Man owns a team. The meeting was actually in Milwaukee where the Miami Heat was taking on the Bucks. Sorry, here is one way to apologize by giving you a bonus tip: Los Angeles Laker Legend Kareem Abdul Jabber will appear at Changing Hands Bookstore on 2/22 in Tempe, Arizona for a book singing; call the bookstore for further details. Crawford In Town: Depending on who you listen to, boxing champion Terrence Crawford arrived in Phoenix to watch the Waste Management Golf Tournament, catch the Super Bowl in Glendale Arizona. One thing is for certain, the former WBO lightweight champ spent 4-5 hours working out at Central Boxing Gym recently and although described as shy, the 27 year signed autographs and posed for pictures. He was accompanied by his 4th grade teacher; Crawford was staying with her and her husband in Cave Creek, a suburb north of Phoenix. It is possible, he has extended his stay beyond the Super Bowl. Here is what we know. Gym manager Tom Garcia got a call from the Omaha, Nebraska, fighter asking permission to train at the facility and Garcia said okay. In his last fight, Crawford defeated one-time Phoenix resident Ray Beltran in a lightweight title shot and then announced he was moving up to the 140 lb. weight class, but is he ready for Floyd and Manny? The champ arrived at the gym at noon or so on Friday (1/30). I stopped by the gym on Saturday morning on my way to meet Hall of Fame Bronco RB Floyd Little and Steeler sensation Antonio Brown who were making appearances at the NFL Experience Event, 18-22 blocks east of the famous gym that was opened by Steve Lopez and Wes Melton. Lopez would later promote concerts and Melton is currently a well renowned referee who works fights around the world. Before I left the Central Gym, I left 5 simple questions with my contact information attached thinking he might return and give me a ring, but I am still waiting and if he does consent to a chat; readers will be the first to know. Glad to hear that 15-20 boxers and fans (including trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. posed with the champ and I know we are all wondering aloud if there was a mention of Benavidez Jr. possibly meeting Crawford down the road. Next: Ralph Velez Jr. is the announcer of record for the Roy Jones Jr. Promotions fight at Ft. McDowell in March. Ralph was working for Nelson Salomon Faisal the creator of a pension fund concept designed for celebrity athletes. At the time, Velez was telling social media contacts (Internet) the venture would make him a millionaire. Faisal was working in California; I emailed him asking him to forward names of prominent athletes endorsing his pension fund. He said he couldn?t comply with my request (1 yearago) because that would infringe on his clients legal right to privacy. I disagreed with him and soon after my response to what I thought was a weak explanation, Faisal cut off communications with me. It should be noted that Mr. Faisal was using images of famous dead athletes in his campaign during the time we were corresponding. I was tipped off by several athletes and readers who were investigating the plan. His tactic may be perfectly legal, but I thought it was tacky and not beyond suspicion. His baffling answers (in my opinion) to my questions prompted me to contact the Attorney General of California who told me that California has a pension fund for boxers who fight in her state (California). I don?t remember all of the specifics, but it was approved by California State Legislators and funded by licensed boxing promoters who worked in the state. The plan seems to be on firm footing and I advise all athletes or anyone to be cautious when approached by anyone selling pension plans. Mr. Faisal may be perfectly legitimate, however seek two or three opinions before plunking down your life savings on anything. Mr. Faisal sent mean email stating he was out of pocket for now, but would get back to me soon?.stay tuned! Short Jabs: Ms. Jennifer Crisp is handling PR for Fight Hard Promotions and fans are looking for updated news on the 3/20 show in Glendale, Arizona at the Renaissance Hotel. Flying with a deflated press book could lower turnout for a fight with some good boxing treats on the menu. MS. Crisp writes a boxing column; so she knows her way around a rectangle ring, inside and out. Keenan Scott Carbajal is still on the card despite missing a mandatory photo-shoot. Fight Hard promoter Sonny Gutierrez won?t pardon too many inexcusable interruptions that could endanger the image of his show. I hear rumors that Arizona Hall of Fame boxer Jerry ?Schoolboy? Cheatham and tough Tony Baltazar (California Hall of Fame) will be at the venue signing autographs. At least that was a discussed plan; everything in boxing is subject to change. I was told the Fight Hard card is pro/am and complete bout dlist shouldbe forthcoming. More Stuff: Luis Olivares had an opponent, didn?t have an opponent and once again had an opponent that dropped out. I was given a double full shimmy sham handshake as assurance that the popular Glendale fighter will not be alone on 2/28 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix along with David Benavidez, Edgar Brito, Jose Marrufo, Joey Ruelas, Francisco C. de Vaca, Victor Castro, Carlos Castro and Emilio Garcia. I will include more details in next column and talk about an undefeated Aussie on the card plus any updates emailed to me. Trevor McCumby, a highly respected Top Rank Light Heavyweight prospect, is looking for work but remains inactive until someone agrees to meet the Illinois bomb thrower. Trevor lives in Glendale, Arizona; but those ?Land of Lincoln? roots are deep?.Rollin Williams is in the same boat; still looking long and hard for an opponent. He will be at the 2/9 Boxing/MMA Commission meeting to prove he is still fit to fight at age 48?.Rage In The Cage drew more than 2,000 fans at their 1/31 MMA show in Prescott Valley Show. If MMA is your cup of combative preference, check their website and get the details for RITC Phoenix show at Comerica Theatre?.. Until Next Time! Photo: Gym Manager Tom Garcia (R) poses with WBO world champion Terrence Crawford (L) at the Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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