AJC Article

BOXING: Commission addressing postponement

BYLINE: J.C. CLEMONS
DATE: August 20, 2003
PUBLICATION: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA)
EDITION: Home; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SECTION: Sports
PAGE: C6

Tom Mishou, director of the Georgia Boxing commission, and his crew continue a busy schedule this week -- although not all of it involves what goes on between the ropes.

After working Saturday's professional boxing show on Buford Highway, the commission will supervise another Friday night at the Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta. But a card scheduled for tonight at the Rusty Rooster in Rex was postponed.

Mishou attributed the postponement to a first-time promoter, Rala Ajackie, who was not properly advised.

"I still believe the Rusty Rooster is an outstanding venue and the concept of Wednesday night boxing is sound," Mishou said. "But it's best for all parties to go back to the drawing table."

Ajackie had met all of the commission's fiduciary responsibilities but apparently fell short of other requirements to get the card sanctioned. Neither Ajackie nor Mishou would elaborate, but Ajackie hopes to put a show together in two months.

"It was an education," she said. "I learned you really have to trust yourself and don't let anybody make decisions for you."

Meanwhile, David Oblas and Austin Wingo, who promoted a string of sold-out shows at the Roxy in Buckhead, are looking forward to bringing boxing downtown to the 1,800-seat Tabernacle.

"Our show had gotten too big for the Roxy," Oblas said. "If all goes well, we're going to stay with the downtown venue."

College Park super-middleweight Lawrence Chapman (17-1, 12 knockouts) will fight Tyrus Armstead in the main event. Also, College Park brothers Xavier and Fred Tolliver will be on the card. It will be the pro debut for Fred, 30, a junior middleweight who has sparred with world champions Kostya Tszyu and Zab Judah.