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Munford spells good news for Minnesota boxing
By Ray Kilgore

Now that Minnesota has a boxing commission, people like Michael Munford are excited and honored to serve. Munford understands how important the commission is for both fighter and spectator; equally important to Munford is his day career as a public safety director and college professor.
Boxers are getting college degrees in record numbers, still, some perceive boxers and boxing badly. For example, Alan Goldstein author of A fistful of Sugar: the Sugar Ray Leonard story was an English professor who loved boxing; but found himself defending the sport at parties and with coworkers who couldn't understand how an 'educated' man enjoyed 'violence.'
Goldstein apologized by rationalizing his interest for the sport; Munford won't do this! In fact, Munford sees similarities between higher education and boxing. "For a boxer to be successful he or she must listen, learn, work hard and have respect for others; the same qualities are necessary to be successful as a student." Munford, forty, works and teaches at Southwest Minnesota State University, but was raised in small town outside of Atlanta Georgia. His parents taught him values but his best friend, his late grandfather, Arthur Neal, stressed education. Munford's grandfather couldn't read or write and said little in words; but, when he spoke, Munford listened. Munford's grandfather encouraged him to complete his educational studies.
Munford took his grandfather's advise and earned both a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees. Besides education, boxing was of interest to Munford at an early age. As a youth, Munford recalls watching fighters, such as, Ali, Frazier. and Forman on television with his father. Munford's interests in boxing ultimately lead him into the ring.
Munford boxed while serving in the United States Army eventually winning Georgia's championships' titles two years in a row. Munford moved to Marshall MN at age thirty-two with plans of staying five years at most. However, by August 2006, his decision to remain in MN paid off when he was appointed by the Governor to the Minnesota boxing commission.
Munford admits he and the other commissioners are in the infant stages with lots to learn, yet he's confident he and his colleagues will master their jobs. Head commissioner Scott LeDoux says he's not worried. "Let me tell you something. Do you want to know who and what a good man is? Then look at Mike. He's very smart, willing to learn, and is a fine, fine young man. I'm very proud to have him on the team."
Munford states that his number one priority as a commissioner is to
help restore legitimacy to the sport he loves. "As a former pugilist, I understand the importance of fights being decided inside the ring and not from outside influences." The commission has the ultimate responsibilities in selecting competent judges and official who will ensure fairness. I have no doubt that
the commission, under the leadership of Executive Director, Scott Ledoux , will provide both fair and exciting professional boxing matches well into the future.
Munford the only African American on the commission doesn't see this as a problem. "There's no pressure [being the only African American] I work with five other commissioners who share the same passion as I for the sport of boxing. From day one we connected."
Munford wishes boxing could return to the days when major newspapers covered the positive aspects of the sport and not the negatives. Yet he's optimistic things well get better. I believe that boxing is an excellent outlet for youth. Munford knows from experience that boxing gyms and youth centers can, and do change lives for the better. Munford says he is living poof.
Munford by public standards, has "made it", but he hasn't turned his back on boxing. "In my humble opinion, Boxing is the most rewarding sport known to man. It takes a combination of athleticism, mental conditioning, sportsmanship, and commitment. I respect all the men and women who participate in this sport."