They often bicker over just about everything: opponents, sites, television dates, and money. But members of the boxing industry are joining forces to financially assist Russian heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov, who faces a long rehabilitation from injuries sustained in a fight at the Garden Theater on Nov. 2.
The Post has learned promoters of the bout between Abdusalamov and Mike Perez of Cuba had just $10,000 worth of insurance on Abdusalamov, who within days is expected to be awakened from a medically induced coma.
Abdusalamov, 32, has been in the coma since undergoing brain surgery Nov. 3 after losing a brutal 10-round decision to Perez. Doctors expect him to survive, but don’t know the extent of the damage done to his motor skills and vision.
The World Boxing Council raised $53,000 during its recent convention. Boxers such as Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin have pledged their financial support. Meanwhile promoters Lou DiBella and Leon Margules have helped establish a fund through the not-for-profit Ring 10 foundation.
“It shows how in the boxing community a lot of people constantly bicker, but when something bad happens everyone bands together and it truly is a family,” said Nathan Lewkowicz, Abdusalamov’s promoter.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed the New York State Athletic Commission is undergoing a shake-up. A search is being headed by state officials for an executive director.
“I know they put it out there that they’re looking for somebody,” a source told the Post, “and it might be more eminent with what happened.”
The NYSAC currently consists of three members, including chairperson Melvina Lathan. It’s believed the appointee to executive director would oversee the day-to-day duties of the department and work with the other three commissioners on policy, though it’s unclear whether the current commissioners will retain their posts.
New York Secretary of State Cesar Perales, who oversees the commission, is involved in the search and is also investigating the care Abdusalamov received from the NYSAC during and after the bout.
Those who will face the toughest scrutiny for their roles in the fight, are referee Benjy Esteves Jr., five ringside doctors working the bout, and Abdusalamov’s corner men.
Esteves is a member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and one of the most respected referees on the East Coast. The five doctors working ringside were: Dr. Barry Jordan, the Chief Medical Officer for the NYSAC, and one of the nation’s leading authorities on neurology and traumatic brain injuries; Dr. Gerard Varlotta, Dr. Avery Browne, Dr. Anthony Curreri, and Dr. Osric King, who was assigned to Abdusalamov’s corner.
The fighter’s corner also will be questioned. John David Jackson was working his first fight as Abdusalamov’s lead trainer and had to communicate with Abdusalamov through a Russian interpreter.
Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs) returns Saturday night to defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against Edwin Rodriguez (24-0, 16 KOs) in Ontario, Calif. HBO will televise. Ward, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist, has been out of action since September 2012 while recovering from shoulder surgery.
“I’m not worried about the 14-month layoff,” Ward said. “I’m excited to get back.”
Boxing publicist Kelly Swanson puts on gloves for the first time for a worthy cause. She’ll box three rounds Saturday night at Gleason’s Gym to raise money for Gleason’s Give a Kid a Dream program, which provides mentors to disadvantaged youth. Those wishing to do so can donate here.
Philadelphian Garrett Wilson (13-6-1, 7 KO) will face Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov (15-0-1, 11 KOs) in 10-rounder Saturday at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y. The opportunity came when Galzkov’s original opponent, Tomasz Adamek, was forced to pull out of the bout on short notice due to a stomach virus. NBC Sports will televise at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets remain available for the NYPD and FDNY annual “Battle of the Badges” on Nov. 22 at the Garden Theater. Proceeds benefit the Atlas Cops and Kids Boxing Program and the Building Homes for Heroes Organization.