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EXCLUSIVE ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW
WITH PROMOTER GEORGE CHUNG
Interview conducted by Sue TL Fox
April 7, 2003
George Chung is one of California’s
busiest promoters, working the state from North, Central and South. Since
April 2000 he has been involved in over 22 fights. Chung is a former
National and International Karate Champions and also trains the SF 49ers
in martial arts. In 1983 he was inducted to the Black Belt Hall of Fame,
1994 he was awarded a Superbowl Ring for his work in the NFL. As a
businessman he has taken 2 companies public. As a writer he has created an
EMMY Award winning TV series, Kanga Roddy. Today he is the CEO of ACS
Television where his company produces over 80 sports and entertainment
shows a year.
TL FOX: You have come a long way since your first fight only 3
years ago in April 2000, what have you learned since you first began
promoting?
GC: I have learned that alliance is everything! When you
align yourself with top-notch managers, matchmakers and promoters you are
positioning yourself for success!
TL FOX: Who do you work with at this time?
GC: I do a lot of events with Top Rank and CKP. As well
as many events by myself, 18 events this year is what we are on pace for.
I find that a good relationship means greater resources and also a greater
chance of having consistent product.
TL FOX: When did your efforts turn to female
fighters?
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GC: I have always
respected the female athletes in the sport, my first fight I ever
promoted had a female co-main event, Laila Ali. One thing that’s
different in the women’s division than the men is the fewer chances a
female has to fight on television and for decent paydays. I have always
had females on my fight cards and I believe that I am one of the better
paying promoters in the country when it comes to female fighters. Women
will also fight tougher than men for the most part, a perfect record is
not as important in women’s fighting as men. For women it’s about the
fights not always the records. |
TL FOX: What is your
goal with female boxing, do you want to promote more all female or
majority card female fights?
GC: If I had my druthers absolutely! Especially if I can get
the match ups like I have on the 18th. I think people want to see great
fights. People are tired of protected fighters not taking risks and
therefore building records without taking a chance. Look at the great
fighters out there now, Jennifer Alcorn, she took a chance fighting
Rakozcy and vice versa. Laura Serrano takes a big chance fighting Girgrah
and versa, Anani and Gibbs another great fight. Even the lighter weights
Zaganas and Ahlin---this will be the toughest fights for both fighters in
their careers. I said this before, any of these fights could be a main
event or co-main events anywhere else, so I hope everyone tunes in and
sees the best fighting the best!
TL FOX: Is there anyone you wished could have been on the card?
GC: Sure, I think there are a few great fighters under
exposed, and they are not even my fighters, Ann Wolfe a great fighter
needs more exposure she is great for the sport. Serrano is great for the
sport and that’s why I am promoting her now! Laila Ali clearly is one of
the best out there now, she gets better and better every time. Wolfe and
Ali would be great, no matter who promotes it I will buy a ticket!
TL FOX: What is the story with Lucia Rijker? She was supposed to
fight for you on the card then vanished?
GC: I had talks with Rijker and Manager Tom Laufler almost
four weeks ago in LA, personally. That same day, I spoke with Mia St
John about fighting Jennifer Alcorn. Lucia was offered Sunshine Fettkether.
She took nearly three weeks to get back to us and we could not wait for
that long. It’s unfortunate, ESPN wanted a tough fight for Rijker and it
took to long for them to make up their minds, the TV would not wait and
neither can the promoter.
TL FOX: Does that mean you would still promote
her?
GC: In the right fight, I would make an offer to Rijker,
but it would have to be a meaningful fight, not a tune up for such a great
champion. People don’t want to see tune ups they want to see real fights.
TL FOX: You promote a lot of fights at the Palace Casino, are
they as passionate about female boxing as you are?
GC: Perhaps more, the Palace has an events director Christian
Printup who can be a matchmaker if wanted to. His knowledge of boxing is
unsurpassed among most people. He studies the rankings, watches the fights
and knows what fights means more than others. So yes, the Casino is
behind women’s boxing, but only great fights that mean something.
TL FOX: What are your future plans for women’s fights?
GC: I have at least 8 more fights between the April fights
and the end of the year. I am promoting a fight in Bermuda this summer
where I would like to feature at least 2 female fights. I am looking at
promoting Mia St. John over the summer in a potential rematch with one of
her former foes. I will let everyone guess that one. Jennifer Alcorn and I
are discussing me promoting a world title defense for her in the fall.
Laura Serrano will stay busy with fights in LA and Nevada, Jessica Rakoczy
will fight at least 3 times before the years end and as always, I am
looking for great talent who will dedicate themselves to championship
performance with a promoter that’s respects the athlete.
TL FOX: Thank you very much for taking
the time to be interviewed on WBAN.
GC: Thank You!
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