Nothing could be more American than believing in a fair fight. And if that is not happening, the public has every right to lose faith in the sport. Two opponents and two boxing commissioners say at least four Butterbean matches were thrown or tainted with fraud. Boxers told The Herald that many fraudulent matches were arranged by promoters or matchmakers intent on improving a fighter's record and ranking to earn big-money title fights. The sport, some fighters say, is steeped in corruption far worse than alleged criminal misconduct now under FBI scrutiny.
Rankings determine title fights and other lucrative matches.
In June, federal agents raided the Deerfield Beach headquarters of promoter Don King, seeking evidence that might link him with alleged kickbacks to the federation. The FBI investigation, however, does not center on fighters paid to throw matches. Club fighters or journeymen are often asked to take dives, according to Herald research. Sometimes, well-known fighters are approached. They wanted to build up some kid and felt my name would look good on his record. . . .