In Brief : State Boxing Official on Leave Pending Investigation’s Outcome

SACRAMENTO — ing official Martin Denkin lost his power to approve or turn down bouts in California when he was placed on administrative leave today by the state Consumer Affairs Department.

Denkin, assistant executive officer of the state Athletic Commission, will remain on leave pending the outcome of a Los Angeles County district attorney’s investigation into accusations of extortion, said Shirley Chilton, secretary of state and consumer services.

The action came less than a week after the San Jose Mercury News reported that Denkin is being investigated for allegedly extorting money from boxing managers in return for furthering the careers of their fighters.

Chilton, a member of Gov. George Deukmejian’s Cabinet, has authority over the Consumer Affairs Department, which oversees the Athletic Commission.

Neil Fippin, chief of the division of administration for the Consumer Affairs Department, said Denkin will continue to receive a salary. Denkin is also being investigated by the Consumer Affairs Department.

“Not one person yet has faced me,” Denkin told the Mercury News in a telephone interview from his home outside Los Angeles. “I’ve been crucified throughout the world.”

Denkin also said the leave will allow him to rest. “I’m physically sapped by the work I’ve been doing,” he said.

Denkin has supervised the commission’s office and staff in Los Angeles since 1986.