Larry Hazzard is back as the commissioner of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, and you can expect the same outspoken, no-nonsense regulator who governed the department from 1985 until November 2007, when he was unceremoniously fired.
"I am who I am," said Hazzard, who returned to his office last week, replacing Aaron Davis, who had succeeded him. "My style and the things that I've done have earned me recognition in the highest place of honor and that's the International Boxing Hall of Fame. That being said, I don't intend to change. The Larry Hazzard you knew in the past is the Larry Hazzard you're going to get again. I am who I am. I'm no phony."
That's a good thing because Hazzard, 69, is also a visionary and an innovator and a protector of fighters. A three-time New Jersey Golden Gloves Champion in his youth, the Newark native was also a referee for more than 40 world title fights before becoming commissioner. During his tenure as head of the regulatory agency, he established the most comprehensive set of combat sports regulations in the nation. They included the unified rules that have been universal in both boxing and mixed martial arts.
Despite his decorated tenure, Hazzard was essentially fired by then Attorney General Anne Milgram in a messy split that resulted in Hazzard claiming his dismissal was in retaliation for exposing shady practices by others within the commission.
He has remained visible within the boxing community, serving as chairman of officials for the International Boxing Federation. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the Class of 2010 that also featured Mike Tyson.
Hazzard's profile, experience and connections should be assets in using boxing and MMA events to help revitalize Atlantic City. Hazzard was the commissioner in what he called "the glory days," when fights featuring Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, George Foreman and Arturo Gatti filled casinos and arenas. He's also the holder of a black belt in jujitsu and pushed New Jersey to be one of the first states to openly embrace MMA. He's hoping to use his influence to help restore Atlantic City as a major boxing and MMA venue.
"I'm still in the process of doing a little survey of what's been going on," Hazzard said. "I do think there needs to be a great deal more involvement by casino entrepreneurs in the major events taking place in Atlantic City. From the commission perspective, we have to make sure the boxing and MMA communities understand that New Jersey is a combative-sports-friendly place to do business. If we concentrate on those two areas, I think you'll see a vast improvement."
Hazzard has wasted no time in adding a bit of intrigue to the first major bout he'll oversee. Light heavyweight champions Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev meet Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall. Hazzard told The Post he'll make instant replay available for use if there are questions about how cuts were created, illegal blows or other questionable actions. Hazzard first promoted the use of instant replay in boxing in 2005.
"It can be used in any situation that would have an impact on the final outcome of the bout," Hazzard said. "We can review it at the referee's request or the administrator's request."
Hazzard's reappointment by Gov. Chris Christie came as a surprise to some, but is being applauded by most.
"God is still in the business of doing good things for people," Hazzard said. "I'm elated. I thank the governor for giving me this opportunity again to impact the sport of boxing, which I love so much. This is something I don't take lightly."
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