Ferd Lewis: Local boxing could use boost from NABF convention

Some of the heavy hitters in professional boxing are expected in town this week.

Alas, unless somebody egregiously cuts in the buffet line, no punches are expected to be thrown. And while some championship belts will be on display, none will be up for grabs in the ring here.

The North American Boxing Federation’s 51st annual convention begins a five-day run Wednesday at the Waikiki Marriott, with a spokesman saying more than 100 members and several promoters from across the globe, including Top Rank, will be represented.

The sad irony is that this is the closest that Hawaii, once a thriving hotbed of the sport, has been to big-time boxing in a while. Or, may get for an extended period.

Once upon a time, Bob Arum and Don King vied to hold cards here, champions and contenders battled regularly, and marquee fighters trained here on the way east or west.

After viewing the Kamehameha statue on King Street, Don King once flamboyantly told reporters, “Any state that puts up statues and names streets for kings is where I’ve got to be.”

Not since Brian Viloria’s unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Miranda for the World Boxing Organization world featherweight title at Blaisdell Center nearly eight years ago now has there been a boxing match of note here.

There hasn’t been a pro boxing card of any shade in two years, according to State Boxing Commission records.

And with Viloria listed as “inactive” these days and likely retired, there are none on the horizon anytime soon, either.

While the amateurs have at least been keeping the sport alive on that level here, it is likely going to take the emergence of a local knockout artist to help pro boxing climb up off the deck again.

We have some in MMA circles, of course. But only Bellator, riding the wave of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s popularity, has so far seen fit to try to tap into the market. That paid off in a big way with a crowd of 6,500 for her flyweight world title defense in December. As it happens, she is in town for appearances this week.

You hope the UFC will someday soon see past the rejection of its ridiculous earlier terms and feature its reigning featherweight champion, Max Holloway, at Aloha Stadium instead of outposts like Calgary.

Meanwhile, the NABF and officials from some of its related Asia-based organizations, including the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation, are here for the sun and fun. But if, during their stay, they were to come away with the idea that it would be good to bring a championship match here someday, so much the better.

Perhaps Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who is scheduled to address NABF members and issue a proclamation, can make the pitch.

“The time is right,” insists Hubert Minn, member of a prominent boxing family and chairman of ring officials for the NABF and World Boxing Council. “It hasn’t been that way for a while, but with the (popularity of) MMA … people are itching for fights. I think a promoter who can come down here with a fight will do well now.”

Minn said, “I’ve been trying to get promoters to look at Hawaii as a venue where East meets West.”

Hopefully, the next time some of the heavy hitters in pro boxing gather here they’ll be moved to bring more than sunscreen.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.