As many of you know, MMA is on the verge of being sanctioned in Massachusetts. Many things will change when the new commission takes over, and many of them will be out of our control. However, one thing that we can control is how hard we push to get one of “our people” nominated for the Commissioner’s position. Joe Esposito has been involved with the sport longer than likely all of us, and he truly cares about the sport. He has been attending MMA events and working as an independent arbitrator for many years, and unlike everyone else involved with any show, Joe does it for free.
Many people talk about all the good they’re doing, or trying to do for the sport, but by working event after event for free Joe is the one guy who has proven time and time again that his only motivation is the sport. If we are able to come together and show the state that Joe is the right man for the job, we are doing our part to make sure the right people are involved to guarantee that MMA here in Massachusetts continues to flourish.
Kevin MacDonald (Kevin the Ref) has already written a letter to the State Boxing Commission, and that letter is below. On top of that, Kevin has also started an online petition in an effort to show the State how much we respect Joe Esposito, and that we want him to be involved with MMA at the highest level. Please take a minute (likely less than a minute) to read and sign the petition. Every signature helps, and please avoid crazy comments. This is a serious matter, and one that could truly change local MMA for years to come.
I sincerely appreciate all the help.
Here is the link for the petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/joeespositocomm/
Here is Kevin’s letter to the commission:
From : Kevin MacDonald, Mixed Martial Arts Referee
To : Massachusetts State Boxing Commission
Re : Joe Esposito, Deputy Boxing Commissioner
Greetings, I am writing this letter to offer my wholehearted support in the hopes that Mr. Joe Esposito be considered for a Commissioner position when the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission begins sanctioning Mixed Martial Arts(MMA). I have been involved with the sport and its community for over ten years first as a fighter, then as a matchmaker, announcer, judge, and currently as a referee. Over the years I have seen many faces come and go. Through it all, Joe has always been there. He is a prominent figure in the MMA community who has earned the utmost respect of fighters, coaches, officials, promoters, and fans.
When the state ceased sanctioning MMA, Joe knew that, if events were still going to be held, someone needed to make sure that things stayed safe. Over the years Joe has worked very diligently to make sure that, even in the absence of a sanctioning body, rules and protocols were to be followed. He has sat ringside at countless events acting as an independent arbitrator and consultant for many different promotions, never asking for, nor accepting any payment for his services.
As the acting Head Referee for most of the promotions here in Massachusetts, I was always put at ease when I knew that Joe was going to be there. Joe’s presence gave great credibility to whatever promotion he was at because everybody knew that no matter what happened, Joe would take the time to make sure that things were done right. He always placed safety and fairness as top priorities in a world where people sometimes tried to blur the lines. Anyone involved in the sport knows that they can pick up the phone anytime with questions or concerns and he would get right on it. Joe always knew that the state would begin sanctioning again and when it did, he wanted everyone to be confident that it would be a great thing for our sport.
I have spent far too many hours to count on the phone and in person with Joe. We have looked at any and every issue that has arisen from every possible angle to make sure that things were always handled correctly. Based on my relationship I can confidently say that Joe is a true supporter of Mixed Martial Arts. His first priority has always been fighter safety. It is with this knowledge that I give my highest endorsement to Joe Esposito for a seat on the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
Very Respectfully,
Ill second that motion
So click the petition and sign it, Varner! It doesn’t count if you just add a comment here. You have to click the link and enter your info, man!!!! I signed it first about an hour ago and we already have 4 signatures. Get to work, guys…
Signed
Signed
Signed — Chris I.
signed and my letter:
My name is Ryan Parker and I work for Full Force, the WCF, Reality Fighting, and most of the other leading MMA organizations in Massachusetts. I do the same job for all of these promoters. I believe the UFC calls it Fighter Liaison. I’ve always called it “Running the Rooms” or “Fight Night Operations”. Basically, I’m responsible for the fighters and their teams from when they arrive at the venue until they step into the ring.
As we are currently un-regulated by the state athletic/boxing commission, I have taken on many of their duties regarding fighter safety. I assign or approve all gloves, sign off on all hand wraps and tape, and confirm pre-fight medicals. In an effort to adhere to the highest possible industry standards I have always turned to Mr. Esposito for guidance. Joe has a better understanding of the rules, regulations, and common practices of the MMA world than anyone I have come across.
In the past, (when we where under the purview of the boxing commission) I felt as though our sport was never fully understood. It often seemed that the relationship between the promoters and the commissioners was antagonistic, rather than cooperative.
In my opinion, appointing Joe Esposito as commissioner would go a long way toward insuring our sports future in the state. I can think of no other person as qualified to oversee the sport of Mixed Martial Arts in Massachusetts.
Thank You
Ryan Parker
Great letters Kevin and Ryan…..you guys are the best around at each of your jobs in mma, so if you two support Joe, then I too will sign the petition!!
Done.
Signed
Signed.
Signed
Signed.
As an ER doctor, a ringside physician and a fan of the sport, safety of the fighters is always my top concern. There are many misconceptions about what goes on inside the ring/cage and what MMA is about. It is extremely important to have someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about MMA representing it in the leadership position. Having talked and worked with Joe ringside, he has my full support.
Hey everybody, the response has been great. I will try to post some of the statements made by our community on the petition in the hopes that more people will write a quick note. Here’s a great on from Gary Eblan (little Gary), referee:
In the interest of full disclosure I have been involved in the Martial Arts Community continuously since 1972. First as a student, rated competitor (Karate Illustrated, International Fighter Magazines etc. 1976 thru 1989), teacher, trainer, school/business owner (1983 – 1997, One Step Beyond Boston, Ma.), referee and Instructor to Massachusetts Law Enforcement officers both new recruits and In-Service classes as a Staff Instructor and current Registrar of the Boston Police Academy. Martial Arts is not something I started doing 5 or 10 years ago. Since 2000 when the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission began sanctioning MMA events I have been a certified referee and continued doing so when in 2004 the State decided not to continue sanctioning these events. My reason for signing this petition is very simple: to get the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission to put round pegs into round holes. The Commission is more likely than not aware of Mr. Esposito, his background, knowledge, dedication, and reputation as a current Deputy for the boxing Commission. By putting Mr. Esposito in a position to be a Commissioner in Mixed Martial Arts for the Commonwealth you will be securing a subject matter expert for our State and ensuring the rules and regulations set in place will be followed to the letter of the law. Enhancing not only the status of MMA Competition in Mass but also elevating your Commission as one serious about sanctioning and regulating all pugilistic sports. Mixed Martial Arts is growing every year across the world and having Mr. Esposito represent the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission will, in my humble opinion, enhance the commitment of the Commonwealth on both a National and International stage. Respectfully, Gary Eblan Norfolk, Ma
From Jarrod Johnson :
As a mixed martial artist and fan i have seen joe at all but one show and he has always been fair to all parties. Therefore i put my full support behind Mr. Joseph Esposito for MMA Commisioner
From Bill Mahoney: I run a local Mixed Martial Arts team and my opinion is that Joe Esposito is one of the rare people that is not only thoughtful and fair in all decisions he has made as an arbiter for MMA shows but he also understands the sport of Mixed martial arts as well as anyone.
From Michael Fortier: As a resident of MA, and as an aspiring mixed martial artist I can tell you the regulation of the sport is a huge step forward in creating well rounded athletes in our state. Having said that, the commonwealth will fare the best with Joe Esposito as the commissioner. Now, I have never met Mr. Esposito personally, but from all of my contacts, coaches, and training partners I am assured in saying that he will be the most competent and professional choice the state could make. Thank you for your consideration, Michael Fortier
I have known Joe Esposito for the past 15+ years. As one of his students, I have had the opportunity to observe his approach to the teaching of the martial arts and to the development of the individuals in his school. What I have learned is that this is a person who has mastered not only the physical elements of the arts, but also the philosophical. He is a rare combination of a person dedicated the history and tradition of martial arts, their application in everyday life, and how they are perceived in today’s society. Joe is passionate about the state of MMA in Massachusetts, and I cannot imagine the sport here without the benefit of his knowledge, experience and judgment.