More from One Punch Productions Vs. Florida State Boxing Commission

Posted Jun 3, 2010 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Jun 3, 2010 at 01:54 PM

Two weeks ago, One Punch Production president Terry Trekas sent an open letter, disputing what he believed to be unfair treatment by Florida State Boxing Commission executive director Tom Molloy.

You can read his letter here.

Recently, James Chittenden, an official with the Florida State Boxing Commission offered up a letter in response to Trekas’.

Here’s his take on the situation between Trekas and Molloy:

Dear Mr. Daniels,

I read with great interest your article entitled One Punch Productions vs. the Florida State Boxing Commission. While I was not directly mentioned in this article, I feel both qualified and compelled to respond.
You see, I am an official with the Florida State Boxing Commission, and over the years, I have worked many events promoted by One Punch Productions, and partners such as The Fight Factory.  I am familiar with the friction you referred to between the Commission and One Punch Productions because I was at the event on May 21.  That night, three fighters did receive standard temporary suspensions for medical purposes due to knockouts or technical knockouts.  Otherwise, for the record, I am not aware of any effort by the Commission to suspend or revoke the license of anyone who participated in, or was involved in the promotion of that event.

One Punch Productions, led by Terry Trekas, is, like anyone else who promotes or participates in boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Florida, subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.  The Commission, led by Executive Director Tom Molloy, is responsible for ensuring that these sports adhere to the rules and guidelines established by entities including the American Association of Boxing Commissions, the State of Florida, and the sanctioning bodies.  In short, the Commission works with promoters to ensure the safety of fighters.  Safety is of paramount importance, and when that guideline is observed and honored, the Commission is generally very accommodating. 

The regulatory responsibility of the Commission includes the supervision of promoters, matchmakers, fighters, managers, seconds, and officials.
Mr. Molloy, who has held the post of executive director since 2006 has decades of experience as a professional boxer, trainer, manager, and gym operator.  Many of us who serve in official and operational positions within the Commission also have experience in the ring, in the cage, or in the corner.  The Commission understands the sacrifices endured by the fighters and appreciates the effort and expense put forth by promoters to deliver boxing and MMA events to fans throughout Florida. 

The visibility of combat sports in Florida is high.  The state is home to many of the sports’ greatest fighters, both active and retired.  It is the second busiest state for boxing and MMA.  This statistic represents a success of many sorts for boxing and MMA in Florida.  Close supervision by an experienced executive director and all officials has prevented death or serious injury to fighters.  The executive director works closely with all promoters during each step of the planning and execution phases of boxing and MMA events.  It is a team effort and it cannot be done any other way. 

Mr. Trekas, Pete Fernandez, One Punch Productions, and the Fight Factory are valued members of the local boxing community.  In my experience, they have never failed to produce a quality boxing show.  Talented local boxers, regular and devoted fans and sponsors, excellent venues, and efficiency are the hallmarks of a One Punch night of boxing.  I believe that the every member of that team is a good ambassador for the sport of boxing, and that they have done a great deal to advance the sport, especially in the Tampa Bay area. 

The May 21 event, like any event with many moving parts, had issues behind the scenes, but these issues are normally transparent to the fans.  A constructive relationship between Mr. Trekas and the leadership of the Commission is in everybody’s best interest.  Historically, it has been constructive.  Nobody questions the dedication of Mr. Trekas who bears the financial risk of these events, nor his ethics. 

Hopefully, Mr. Trekas will continue to deliver high-quality boxing shows in the Tampa Bay area and in Florida in cooperation with the Commission for a long time to come. 

Sincerely,

James Chittenden
Florida State Boxing Commission