Letter: Point taken, Dr. Goodman, but please reconsider

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 | 7:17 a.m.

I have been a boxing fan forever and I read recently in the Sun that Dr. Margaret Goodman is resigning as a ringside physician ("Doc calls for probe in death of fighter," Nov. 14).

There was not a major fight that I did not see (pay TV or HBO). I always enjoyed seeing Dr. Goodman at ringside.

The doctor seemed dedicated and truly interested in the fighters' well being. She had the ability to shut out all the hoopla behind her and concentrate on the fighters so intently that I wondered if the fighters could feel it.

I can understand her reasons for making a point by resigning -- bringing attention to the need for stricter safety standards in boxing. She loves the sport and wishes to make it safer for the boxers by saying "goodbye." But I encourage her to reconsider.

Her manner of professionalism will be missed and so will her talents that help make the fighters know that there is truly "someone in their corner." She has made her point -- recognizing that there is a problem here. Now she should stay in there and see if the changes are implemented, both as a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission's medical advisory board and also as a ringside physician.

Mildred J. Salas

Las Vegas