Lato manages to work boxing into his schedule

Dean Juipe

Thursday, June 7, 2001 | 11:21 a.m.

His work and activities schedule bulges with appointments and dates, reflecting the desires of a man who likes to stay busy.

He's the assistant principal at Thurman White Middle School in Henderson, as well as the head of security at the Thomas & Mack Center, as well as a softball umpire and one of the top over-50 softball players in the area.

Yet when Tony Lato was presented with the opportunity to become the chief inspector for the Nevada State Athletic Commission, he found a way to fit the demanding position into his itinerary.

"I had to stop and think for a second," he said. "It seemed like it was coming a little quick, but I just love the boxing game and my wife is completely supportive.

"So I took it. And I like it."

Lato, 54, officially replaced the retired Chuck Sledge as the NSAC's chief inspector April 1 when the commission voted to approve executive director Marc Ratner's recommendation. Lato has been with the NSAC since 1989, serving in the role of inspector.

"It's not an easy job but Tony's doing fine," Ratner said. "He's very organized and I wanted somebody who'd been there for a long time and knew the ins and outs.

"I miss Chuck and we have to accommodate's Tony schedule, but I feel the job is in good hands."

Lato supervises the activities of the 10 inspectors in Southern Nevada as well as the six inspectors in the North. As the title implies, inspectors are required to keep an eye on all facets of a boxing card, including dressing room and corner duties.

"Training people properly is my biggest concern," he said. "You really have to know what to do and what not do, especially in critical situations.

"For instance, there was the 'Fan Man' thing and when (Mike) Tyson bit (Evander) Holyfield's ear. I was working those fights and I realized then and there you'd better know how to react when something strange happens."