Herbert Minn said his removal as Hawaii State Boxing Commission chair by Gov. Neil Abercrombie will likely cost the state the chance to host Brian Viloria’s World Boxing Organization flyweight title fight later this year.

Minn, who will conclude a second four-year term on the commission next year, was replaced recently as chair by longtime referee and judge Abe Pacheco. The five-member, unpaid commission is one of the boards where the governor may directly appoint the chairperson.

Minn said, “The governor has the right to make changes, but maybe he didn’t have the right people telling him what the commission has done while I was chairman. We had two Viloria fights while I was chairman and I’m 99 percent sure I could have gotten this one, too.”

A spokeswoman said, “Gov. Abercrombie believes that Abe Pacheco has many years of experience and insight as a boxer and public servant (and) that he will be an effective steward for boxing in Hawaii. Gov. Abercrombie thanks Herbert Minn for his service as chair of the commission and for his continued work for the sport of boxing.”

Viloria won the title at the Blaisdell Arena in July and is to defend it against Giovani Segura, 28-1-1 (24 KOs), the No. 1 contender. Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria’s manager, said Honolulu and Manila are among the possible sites for an early or mid-December bout.

Gittelsohn said he has, “nothing but the greatest admiration for (Minn) during the time he has been with the commission,” but said several factors will go into the choice of the site for the fight.

Minn said Hawaii had no pro cards in the six years before he became chairman, but that he has overseen nine during his chairmanship. Minn, 88, a veteran referee, judge and coach, said he is a Democrat, as is Abercrombie, but was appointed by Republican Gov. Linda Lingle.

Pacheco, who has officiated 35 world-title fights, said he was unaware of the circumstances that led to him replacing Minn.