also have paid for the annual conventions of the three major sanctioning bodies -- the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Council and the
International Boxing Federation, the newspaper said.The three organizations, while acknowledging that promoters do fund their conventions, denied any impropriety.
In the 3,500-word story, the Times reported that it uncovered allegations of widespread abuse in the sport.
Alleged payments are being investigated by a federal grand jury in Newark, N.J. The Times reported
that witnesses have testified that some payments to the sanctioning bodies were made in cash, but that others were less obvious, such as those contained in overpayments of standard fees.
"It's just common knowledge that if you want to get something done, you have got to grease their palms,'' said Ron Weathers, a manager in Texas who was subpoenaed by the grand jury in New
Jersey. "Either $10,000 or $20,000, depending on where you want the guy rated.''
Weathers said he had made numerous cash payments. Joe Hipp, a struggling heavyweight Weathers
managed, rose through the rankings and was given a title fight against WBA champion Bruce Seldon in 1995. Seldon won on a TKO in the 10th round.
"They don't call you up and openly solicit you,'' Weathers said. "You have to approach them.''
He said many payoffs came at the annual WBA, WBC and IBF conventions. He did not disclose
specific dates or amounts.
"Everybody came with bags of money,'' Weathers said. "They tell you who to pay. You hand them the money.''
Promoter Don King defended the sanctioning bodies and called the accusations against them "devious things, categorical lies.''
"They are trying to give the perception of impropriety in these organizations because it is the popular thing to do now, after Holyfield-Lewis,'' King told the Times. He was referring to the judges'
controversial decision that declared the Evander Holyfield-Lennox Lewis bout a draw and allowed Holyfield to retain the IBF crown.
WBC and WBA officials denied accepting improper payments. IBF president Bob Lee, who is involved in the grand jury hearings in New Jersey, refused to comment on the advice of his attorney.
"These are absolute lies and these are not people you should pay attention to,'' WBC president Jose Sulaiman told the Times. "I have never, ever, received anything from anybody in return for anything.''
High rankings have become increasingly important because of their value to fights carried by pay-per-view telecasts.
King told the newspaper that he has helped pay for conventions held by the sanctioning bodies.
"If you want to play, you've got to pay,'' he said.
Rival promoter Bob Arum said that as far back as 1983, he paid $500,000 to a Puerto Rican promoter whom Arum described as a "bagman'' for the WBA.
The Puerto Rican promoter has denied the allegation.
Arum said that was the only way a promoter could do business in those days, but, "Now, if it looks like it has to be done, I try to stay away.''
