Profato: Safety first for bouts in Ohio

April 23, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

BOARDMAN

After almost a decade as director of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato is most proud of the fact that his office views safety for competitors of its unarmed combat sports a top priority.

While rules remain secondary and are put into place for its many fighters, the commission’s 20-member medical panel keeps providing daily feedback and much needed information so that Ohio can remain one of three states considered the template for which other commissions should follow.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches at their weekly Monday meeting, Profato said he recently found out from his medical team that CAT scans will now be taken and used differently than in the past.

“It used to be that CAT scans were good for a two-year period, however, we’ve now been told that they are only good for seven days after a fight. It is better than an MRI as we continue to find ways to keep our fighters safe and out of harm’s way,” Profato said.

Profato noted that you don’t just apply for and obtain a license to fight in Ohio.

“In order for us to approve older fighters they must have both an MRI and an MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram), the latter assuring us that there is no hardening of the brain’s blood vessels,” he said. “Fighters must also produce negative HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C results, as well as a dilated eye exam and it must be done five days in advance with our offices. If there is something that we do not understand, then we I send it back to our medical experts until we are satisfied.”

Several years ago two matchmakers, two promoters and four boxers were suspended for life because they were providing the commission with false reports.

“The three blood tests, which cost $99, are well worth the investment and not worth taking the risk,” Profato said. “I had to suspend current pound-for-pound champion, Adrian Broner, twice for minor violations and he understood why we were doing so. I nicknamed him ‘The Problem’ and he later thanked me, saying that we pointed him in the right direction.

“Fighters actually want to abide by our rules because they realize it is for their own protection. The word is out that if you want to compete and become a champion, then compete in Ohio but under their rules. If you just want a paycheck, then fight elsewhere.”

Profato also feels that Ohio is slowly, but surely returning to elite status and one of the main reasons is Mike Stafford of Cincinnati.

“Mike has worked the last three Olympics Games and is one of our coaches working the USA corner,” Profato said. “He’s a great amateur coach and an even better professional coach. In my eyes, he’s a big reason why Ohio could be a boxing hotbed once again, especially in the lower weight classes.”

Stafford trains five Olympians and in addition to his training skills, Profato notes that he has an excellent relationship with all of his fighters.