Floyd Mayweather is NOT properly licensed to fight in Nevada on May 5 … despite having the judge’s blessing … and TMZ has learned state officials are demanding to speak with Floyd in person before they will allow him to fight.
TMZ spoke with Keith Kizer — Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission — who tells us all fighters must apply for a license annually … but fighters with a conviction are sometimes required to plead their case to the commission in person.
Floyd was convicted of beating his baby mama last month … and Friday, he convinced the judge to delay his jail sentence so he could fight an unnamed opponent at the MGM Grand on May 5.
The next step is to apply for the license, but Kizer tells us it’s not uncommon for a fighter to begin the process just a few weeks before their first bout of the year. We’re told Floyd has been flagged for a face-to-face … if and when he applies.
“The commission looks at experience, integrity, character and skill to determine whether or not it’s appropriate to issue a license,” Kizer says.
And it ain’t a slam dunk either — the commission is known to REJECT applications … most famously denying Mike Tyson in 2002 after he was involved in a brawl at a NYC news conference.
KIERAN FARRELL GALLOPING TO THE TOP
KIERAN FARRELL will challenge for his first professional title when he meets Jon Baguley over ten rounds at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre on Friday March 2.
The card is the latest in Hatton TV’s Friday fight night series that is broadcast live on You Tube and draws tens of thousands of fans from around the globe.
Heywood’s Farrell, 21, has romped to victory in all 11 professional fights and lost just ONE round during the three-year period.
But the Bobby Rimmer trained and Paul Speak managed slugger is expecting a big test from Rotherham’s Baguley (9-20-2).
Farrell who lives and breathes boxing, going to bed at 8pm every night said: “Jon will bring the best out of me.
“The fans will be in for a treat because Jon gives as good as he gets, and is the best opponent I have faced so far.
“He is a decent kid and I watched him hammer Vinny Mitchell who was unbeaten so he is a proper test.
“He has a go, stands there and trades. That is what I love, someone standing there and throwing a few back.”
Baguley, 23, knocked out Mitchell in February 2010, and has also mixed with top class operators like British champ Anthony Crolla, Andy Murray, Mark Moran, Kevin O’Hara. Liam Walsh and John Watson.
Farrell warned: “This will be the first of many titles for me.”
The bill will showcase some of the north-west’s best young fighters including Ricky Hatton trained Adam Little, Jimmy Kelly and Ryan Doyle.
Boxing starts at 7pm tickets are priced at £30 general admission and £55 ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com
RICKY HATTON BECOMES HATTON PROMOTIONS CEO
RICKY HATTON has replaced Gareth Williams as CEO of Hatton Promotions.
Although Gareth will no longer be working full time for the group he will still be retained as Hatton Promotions legal advisor and representative.
In recent months Ricky has proved that he has fully recovered from depression and taken a hands on role within his organisation.
Late in 2011 he took out a trainers licence and is overseeing a mushrooming empire which includes a clothing brand, a private members gym and a TV network.
The flagship company is his boxing outfit, Hatton Promotions who are the EBU European Promoters of the Year and have produced dozens of major champions in three years.
Ricky said: “This is just a structural change within the group and Gareth will only be a phone call away for any issues we have.
“Once I officially announced my retirement last summer my plan was to gradually have a bigger role in our progress.
“My battle with depression was well documented and this is further evidence that I have bounced back.
“Gareth is a close, personal friend of mine and that will continue despite this change and I cannot thank him enough for the job he has done apart from legal matters.”
Ricky will continue to work closely with Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing, Richard Poxon and the rest of his experienced team.