Boxing

The Nevada State Athletic Commission held up Riddick Bowe’s $2.9-million check for last Friday’s fight against Evander Holyfield because he hasn’t paid the sanctioning fees of the three world boxing organizations.

Sandy Johnson, secretary to the commission, said Bowe owes about $250,000 to the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Assn. and International Boxing Federation. Under Bowe’s contract with fight promoter Main Events, he was to pay $90,000 to each the WBC and WBA and $60,000 to the IBF for his portion of the sanctioning fees.

The $2.9 million was the basic purse paid Bowe, who is expected to earn up to $8 million once his share of the pay-per-view receipts are determined.