Washington Boxing In Sad Shape

Amid allegations of unfit fighters, bad ring conditions and inexperienced officials, a state panel is examining how to tighten regulations for boxing in the state of Washington.

At a time when more bouts are being staged in the state, two of Washington’s top officials have quit in protest: chief inspector Dale Ashley and the state’s head timekeeper.

“Everything that could possibly go wrong with professional boxing in this state, with the exception of a death, has gone wrong at great liability to the state and the officials who administer the laws,” said Ashley, who quit late last year.

The state’s full-time boxing commission was abolished two years ago under the banner of streamlining state government. Boxing now is under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Licensing.