FBI Investigating Alleged Fixed Fights
The FBI is looking into allegations that once-beaten heavyweight Richie Melito was involved in fixed fights, the New York Post reported Sunday.
Melito’s Aug. 12 fight against Thomas Williams, on the Evander Holyfield-John Ruiz undercard in Las Vegas, is under investigation. Marc Ratner, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, said that he was contacted by the FBI but was not questioned.
“They just informed me that there was an investigation into the fight,” Ratner told the Associated Press on Sunday.
Sources told the Post that federal officials have audiotapes of Williams acknowledging he was paid to take a dive against Melito.
Shelby Gross told the FBI that he was offered $8,000 to lose to Melito last year, but pulled out of the fight because of pride.
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