[kenyan_cheena]

The New York Age

TUESDAY, 13 JUNE, 2006

IBF BOSS CHARGED OVER
VASQUEZ DEATH THREATS

Story by James Reynolds

The world of professional boxing received a serious body blow yesterday when it was announced that charges had been laid against International Boxing Federation president Michael Jacobs in relation to multiple death threats made against Mexican featherweight Gilberto Vasquez during February and March. The news has come as a considerable surprise as Jacobs had previously been ruled out as a suspect in the case. Details were short in supply but a press release from Mexican authorities revealed that forensic evidence had "indirectly linked" Jacobs to the death threats. This is not the first time that Jacobs has fallen afoul of the law, as he was implicated with a number of shady business deals before becoming involved in boxing. Since taking up the role of IBF president many have raised eyebrows over Jacobs' relationship with New Jersey promoter Robert Tattaglia. Jacobs has been accused of gross incompetence and corrupt behaviour on more than one occasion in the performance of his duties for the IBF.

Some would say unsurprisingly, it is that very association with Tattaglia that appears to have led to the current charges Jacobs is facing. In September Vasquez won the right to challenge for the IBF's featherweight title but before he could do so the reigning champion Jose Molina moved up to the junior-lightweight division, therefore making the title vacant. Instead of allowing Vasquez to fight for the title or even naming him interim champion the federation announced that two fighters promoted by Tattaglia would contest the title, a decision that led to Vasquez stating he would sue the organisation for breach of contract. The IBF offered Vasquez a shot at the new champion in their first title defense but this did not satisfy him and he reaffirmed his intention to go ahead with legal action.

The death threats started soon after. At first they were simple phone calls and letters in the mail before, it was recently revealed, they escalated to face-to-face confrontations as Vasquez made his way around his hometown of Torreon. In late March an unnamed individual broke into the boxer's home and left a note that brought his wife and son into the situation, after which Vasquez withdrew his legal action against the IBF. Investigations into the threats were fruitless at first but last month an anonymous tip-off pointed authorities towards the family of Francisco Rivas, a Mexican who was one of the two Tattaglia-promoted boxers the IBL intended to contest the vacated championship. The implication was that a brother or cousin of Rivas was behind the death threats but after a thorough investigation the family was ruled out as suspects, meaning the tip-off could have only been a deliberate attempt to throw police off the scent.

Clearly new evidence has come to light during the last couple of weeks that has seen the trail lead all the way to New Jersey. Apparently Mexican police have worked with those in East Orange, where the IBF's offices are located. If Jacobs is found guilty of the charges against him he could face up to four years in prison. It goes without saying that this is not a situation the sport needs to be involved in, especially when one considers the strides that the newly-formed International Boxing League has made since January to improve its standing and public image. It will be interesting to see what information comes to light during the days and weeks ahead. Vasquez himself was not available to comment on the sensational revelations yesterday as he is in training camp preparing for his June 24 IBL World Featherweight Championship quarter-final bout.