Thomas Mott Osborne: “I thank Chairman Stearns for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I speak in support of H.R. 1065, the United States…”

“I thank Chairman Stearns for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I speak in support of H.R. 1065, the United States Boxing Commission Act. When we think about boxing, we often think about Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Max Schmaeling, Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston. These are all high-profile fights, a lot of press coverage, pretty well attended by trainers and doctors, a lot of money involved. But what we do not see is the low profile, the seamy side of boxing, the mismatches, the dishonesty, the lack of medical attention, sometimes the brain damage, the low pay, the high number of people who leave the sport with absolutely no financial resources and many times in pretty poor shape physically. So sometimes this part of boxing has been called the ``red light district'' of professional sports. And I would have to say from my knowledge of it, somewhat limited, I would agree that that is an apt title. Professional boxing, as has been mentioned, is the only major U.S. sport that does not have a centralized association or league to establish and enforce uniform rules and practices. In football we have the National Football League; basketball, the National Basketball Association; Major League Baseball; National Collegiate Athletic Association; U.S. Olympic Committee. So people say, why did boxing not do this? Why would this not be something that would be natural? And the reason is there is a lot more organization in those other sports.…”