Open Letter From
Travis Hartman to Greg Sirb
In regards to losing a 4 round Decision March 7th
in York, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Greg Sirb:
I am a professional boxer. This is how I make my living, how I pay for college, how I cover my expenses. Unfortunately, I am being deprived of that necessity and right because of a random decision that was made after my March 7 fight in York, Pa., a show that fell under your jurisdiction as the executive director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
As all boxing-savvy people know, a boxer receives an automatic suspension, for his own protection, if he is knocked out or injured during a fight. I learned via a letter postmarked March 11 (which arrived in my mailbox on March 16) that I have been dealt a 30-day suspension from the PSAC for the following reason: "Must have rib exam."
While I did complain of rib pain after my four-round fight against Terrance Crawford that night, the aforementioned rib exam was completed on March 7 -- the same night as the fight -- by Dr. Roberto A. Moran Bojorquez at a hospital in York. Dr. Bojorquez took five X-Rays of my left ribcage, plus another five of my chest, and immediately reported to me that all of the results had been negative. I have no fractures, no tears, no major injuries of any kind -- a fact that is documented by Dr. Bojorquez's medical reports.
Furthermore, when I asked Dr. Bojorquez if I could be medically cleared t o accept another fight in two weeks -- on March 21 -- his response was, "You could fight next weekend if you had to."
That, Mr. Sirb, is why your decision to suspend me is inexplicable. In fact, I have yet to receive a logical or reasonable explanation of the decision you have made. Your claim of always looking out for a boxers health and well being echoes in my ear, and I appreciate and commend all commissioners who truly care about the well being of a boxer. But, in this case I feel you have overstepped your boundaries and undermined the medical profession.
Your random and capricious suspension cost me an opportunity to earn money I desperately need by participating in a fight this coming Saturday night, March 21, at The Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif. Furthermore, your decision has cost the California promoter money (my airline ticket already has been purchased) and headaches (he now must find a suitable 11th-hour replacement for me on his card). Finally, your decision has damaged my reputation in a sport in which a boxer's reputation is crucial: I accepted this fight, I promised to be there and be ready, and now -- because of your baseless decision, and through no fault of my own -- I cannot live up to my commitment.
Equally disturbing, Mr. Sirb, is this: When I called you to discuss the matter, you informed me that your decision cannot be appealed. You backtracked on that statement after I pointed out that I already had researched my right to appeal -- which, as you well know, and knew when you made the statement -- appears in Article 12 of The Boxer's Bill of Rights.
After I referred you to Article 12 of The Boxer's Bill of Rights, I pointed out that your decision conflicts with the judgment of the medical doctor who examined me on the night of the fight and expressed to you that your erroneous ruling threatened my right to earn a living this coming Saturday night, March 21, in California, you made the following statements to me:
“Do you expect me to call a hearing every time a boxer wants to fight while on suspension?”
My answer to you was, "No, but I think certain circumstances do warrant special attention. I have presented you with every piece of information to point out the error in your decision to suspend me. So, yes, I do think this is a circumstance that warrants an urgent response.”
Since I have yet to receive that response, Mr. Sirb, and here I sit, one day before the California weigh-in, in my home state of Missouri, having missed today's pre-paid 6 a.m. flight to California.
I demand a written explanation from you, Mr. Sirb, detailing the following:
1) Considering that I was thoroughly examined and cleared on the night of the fight by a licensed M.D., of your choice, and those records are readily available to you, on what grounds have I been suspended by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission?
0A 2) Why did you originally tell me I have no right to appeal your decision when, in fact, you knew that wasn't true?
3) What steps do you plan to take to compensate me financially for a decision that you either know is incorrect, or, with one simple phone call to Dr. Bojorquez, could verify as incorrect?
Like so many fighters, I box because I lo ve the sport. It's in my blood. It's a part of who I am. My life is boxing, but boxing is not my life. I am a college-educated-boxer and will have a career after boxing. Unfortunately, you may now add me to a long list of fighters who have become disillusioned by overlords whose random, incompetent decisions affect our lives and our livelihoods.
You owe me a thorough explanation, Mr. Sirb -- an explanation I promise to share with my attorney and the California promoter who, through no fault of his own, and no fault of mine, lost money and gained an unnecessary measure of stress as a result of your decision.
I may not be a Bernard Hopkins or an Oscar De La Hoya of the boxing world, Mr. Sirb, but in no way does this give you the right to push little guys of the boxing world around and expect no consequences for your incompetent decisions. “Club fighters,” and “journeymen,” make up the vast majority of the boxing world and demand the same rights and respect as every other fighter in the world.
Sincerely,
Travis Hartman
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