Remarks of Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Founder and President of the Joint Association of Boxers

April 6, 2005  

Thank you, Senator McCain and Representative King. On behalf of the Joint Association of Boxers, or JAB, I would like to thank you and your staff for all you have done on the issue of getting a Presidential pardon for Jack Johnson and for boxing reform. We also are happy to be working with Ken Burns and his Committee to Pardon Jack Johnson on this effort. We’re all big fans of the documentary he put together to bring this issue to the public eye.

Jack Johnson was a great boxer and deserves the utmost respect. This effort to get him a pardon is all about getting him that respect, even after all these years. It’s time for justice.

The legends and big names in boxing are behind us in this fight. Muhammad Ali. Mike Tyson. Larry Holmes. Sugar Ray Leonard. My friend and fellow champion Iran Barkley is here today to give his support to this effort. In your press packets, you’ll see statements of support from Antonio Tarver, Buddy McGirt, boxing legend Ron Lyle, and Larry Hazzard, the commissioner of boxing in New Jersey. 

We’ve also got the big name in unions in the corner with us. JAB is grateful to have the Teamsters Union putting their political strength behind making this happen. The Teamsters have been behind us all the way, and we appreciate everything they’re doing for the boxing community.

Now I’d introduce the man who’s given us—and the Jack Johnson issue—so much support. Please welcome Jim Hoffa, President of the Teamsters Union.
 

©2003-2007 Joint Association of Boxers
P.O. Box 2662
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Eddie Mustafa Muhammad
(202) 437-5755
info@boxersunion.org