Columnist Ron Kantowski: Count hits 10 for NSAC’s Dr. Nave

Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

Ron Kantowski is sports editor of the Las Vegas Sun. Reach him at ron@vegas.com or 259-4088.

The first word that comes to mind when discussing Dr. Jim Nave, the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner who is stepping away from his post after 12 years of meritorious service, is "humorless." The second is "effective."

While I'm sure he would probably prefer the order be reversed, Nave concedes that he and Chris Rock don't have much in common. But then, as he says, serving on the commission is no laughing matter.

As for being effective, well, that's a legacy to be proud of.

Nave's last day with the NSAC -- Friday -- will be a working one, thanks to an old foil. Nave's last official act as commissioner will be casting his vote on what to do with a purse that was withheld from Mike Tyson after his late hit on Orlin Norris at the MGM Grand.

"It's been an honor to serve the people of Nevada in this (capacity)," Nave said. "I hope the people are satisfied with my work, but that's for others to judge."

Nave had hoped that the people wouldn't have to form their opinions until a later date -- like four years from now. He wanted to stay on board for another term. But if he's upset about not being reappointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn -- as sources have indicated -- he's not letting on.

Nave's seat will be taken by Amy Ayoub, a native Las Vegan who will become the first woman to serve on the NSAC since its formation 58 years ago.

"I would have liked to have had another term," Nave said. "But I respect the right of the governor to make the choice of who he wants to replace me."

At that point, Nave tried to invoke Ayoub's name. He couldn't recall it. But it sounded more like a brief moment of forgetfulness than a negative commentary.

"I will support (long pause) ... the person who replaced me," he said. "I'm sure she will do a fine job."

But it's hard to imagine Ayoub, or any of the remaining commissioners, for that matter, comfortably sliding into Nave's role as NSAC point man, at least immediately. It took Nave himself several years to command that position, which he partly inherited but then mostly earned when Dr. Elias Ghanem's health took a turn for the worse.

Years from now, the casual fight fan may simply recall Nave as "that gruff guy who voted against Tyson." But Nave, the president-elect of the American Veterinary Association, said casting the lone dissenting vote in Tyson's ballyhooed relicensing hearing earlier this year was an easy decision compared to voting "yes" when Evander Holyfield tried to have his fight card renewed.

Nave agonized for nearly two years before he was comfortable that Holyfield's history of heart problems would not put him at risk in future fights.

The fates of Jimmy Garcia, Robert Wangila and Johnny Montantes had weighed heavily on Nave. He said their deaths in NSAC-sanctioned fights easily were the low point of his tenure.

But when Nave tallies his final scorecard, it will add up to an easy unanimous decision for boxing.

"I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to participate at this level," he said. "I'm very much a fan and always will be, and I've had a few opportunities to stay involved in the sport."

When asked if those might include managing a fighter, Nave had an unusual reaction.

He chuckled. Almost laughed, even.

This Good, Humorless Man thought that was funny.