Nevada Is Investigating Gambler and Boxing Judge

The state of Nevada is investigating a report that Las Vegas gambler Billy Baxter, who wagered heavily on the Sugar Ray Leonard-Marvin Hagler fight, and fight judge Dave Moretti had previously discussed a business partnership, the Las Vegas Sun reported.

The story quoted a source as saying Baxter bet more than $300,000 on Leonard and had discussed forming a boxing-promotion partnership with Moretti a week before the fight.

Leonard, an underdog, won the title by a split decision. Moretti scored the fight, 115-113, for Leonard.

The newspaper reported Baxter also set up Leonard in a private residence in Las Vegas a week before the fight and spent many hours there with Leonard and his manager, Mike Trainer.

Baxter and Moretti denied discussing any business relationship.