New head of Oklahoma's boxing commission

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A long-time referee will take over as administrator of the state boxing commission. <br><br>Joe Miller will replace Steve Bashore, who is leaving to become general manager of a new

Friday, December 26th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A long-time referee will take over as administrator of the state boxing commission.

Joe Miller will replace Steve Bashore, who is leaving to become general manager of a new Peoria Indian tribe casino in Miami, Oklahoma. He'll remain as a consultant to the commission.

Bashore is credited with the revival of Oklahoma prize fighting, which has been tied to frequent shows at Indian casinos.

Bashore instituted a by-the-book policy on licenses, safety and certification.

Oklahoma has attracted a variety of big-name fighters and Sugar Ray Leonard has promoted two shows in the state.

Miller is a property officer for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. He fought in 45 amateur boxing matches and won the 1975 Kansas-Oklahoma Golden Gloves titles.

Miller left the ring in 1982 and returned in 1986 as an official.