DC Boxing Chairman, Jason Turner
January 26, 2007 - Speaking exclusively to DC UrbanSports just moments before the
1st Annual Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic at the Westin City Center Hotel, D.C.’s newly appointed boxing Chairman,
Jason Turner expressed high
hopes for boxing in the Nation’s Capital.
“We’re looking to get more fights sanctioned in the District”, said Turner, enthusiastically.
"We also want to see more female fighters included in boxing as well.”
When asked how he was chosen for the position of boxing chairman, Turner answered by saying that he and DC Mayor,
Andrian Fenty are long-time friends and that the mayor is aware of his business acumen.
With hardly any experience in the boxing arena, Turner confidently says he’s no different than
Lee Iacoca heading Ford and Chrysler motors.
“I have a very good business sense.”
A business sense that boxing fans in the District hope will translate into more quality, high profile boxing.
While the District has had success with
several boxing events, to include
mixed martial arts (MMA), chairman Turner is optimistic about advancing the opportunities for the sport of boxing, wrestling, and MMA in
our area.
“There’s no reason why the Nation’s Capital can’t headline stellar boxing matches just like Las
Vegas, and just like Atlantic City”, says Turner. "We’re the Nation’s Capital and we should be at the forefront
of boxing."
Turner was appointed boxing Chairman after former Chairman,
Dr. Arnold.W. McKnight passed August, 2007 with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. McKnight will long be remembered for his work with youth, having served as Director of the
Southeast Tennis and Learning Center where he was mentor, father figure, and friend to hundreds of youth in the community.
Chairman Turner and the D.C. Boxing Commission have plans to honor the former boxing Chairman.
“I can’t tell you what we’re planning, but I will say it’s going to be a fabulous memorial in
his honor”, said Turner.
Jason Turner, married with two children, lives in the District with his wife whom he affectionately calls his 'boss’.
As he was being interviewed, the ‘boss‘ phoned him on his cell phone to ask how the evening was going.
“Fine”, said Turner. “I’m doing an interview right now.”
DC UrbanSports respectfully thanks Chairman Turner for taking the time to sit and chat with us about his future plans
for boxing in D.C. We certainly wish him and the DC Boxing Commision well in their endeavors to raise the profile of boxing
in the District of Columbia.
