Frazier steps in
to help local
amateur boxing

Lately, there's no pro boxing in Hawaii. But the sparring has been pretty good in the local amateur circles -- especially outside of the ring.

Now, University of Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier has been thrown into the middle of the action as the referee.

Frazier's debut last night as mediator for USA Boxing's Hawaii chapter, can be considered a success. He got some warring factions to touch gloves, if briefly. He also conducted a vote that gave new legal life to the chapter -- it had been operating without bylaws.

"Give yourselves a hand, you are officially an organization," Frazier told the 25 or so club presidents, coaches and other officials and curious observers.

The next step is to elect officers. Ralph Martin previously held the post of president, but said he was "asked" by a judge to relinquish it because of charges by Wahiawa's Carl Phillips that Martin had illegally attained the post -- which makes sense in a strange way, since Martin would've been president of an organization that didn't exist.

Only three clubs were eligible to vote last night, because USA Boxing's national office must have records reflecting at least five registered boxers for a club to have a vote. Several coaches, including Waianae veteran Freddie Pereira, complained that they had enough registered boxers but no voting privileges. Frazier said such issues would be cleared up before the election of officers.

Frazier's involvement came about when he was in Colorado Springs, Colo., two weeks ago.

"Yeah, when you guys thought I was interviewing for a job (at Colorado)," Frazier said. "USA Boxing's interim executive director Tyrone Lockhart asked me to assist."

Last night's meeting was held at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"By all means it beats the hell out of having it at someone's house," said Phillips, referring to previous meetings at Martin's home. "It's a neutral setting, and Herman Frazier's neutral. They're trying to make it fair for everyone."

Phillips' and Martin's differences, which include not allowing each other's fighters to enter big tournaments, are well-documented. Last night, though, there seemed to be the beginning of an uneasy truce.

"God, I'm just happy someone else is involved," Martin said. "I'm glad national has stepped in and Herman is giving us his time."

Martin said he doesn't consider himself being the party with something to lose.

"It's supposed to be about the athletes, and I'll do anything to clear up the smoke," he said.

When told Phillips voiced similar sentiments, Martin stopped far short of a figurative hug.

"I can't say we have the same goals, because we follow the rules," Martin said. "They go to unsanctioned events. I believe in following the rules."

The Hawaii State Boxing Commission also got involved yesterday before Frazier's meeting, outlining a "road map" of things it wants to accomplish this summer.

It wants Martin to renew his promoter's license, which he has not had this year despite holding a pair of shows, as well as turn over financial reports for those shows. The commission also wants to have the chapter president sit in on commission meetings as an advisor and invite Martin and Phillips to an upcoming meeting for a question and answer session.