(JULY 11) WBAN has received a open response from promoter and matchmaker Jerry Hoffman who just recently promoted a boxing event in Monterey, California. Hoffman talks about the last-minute cancellation of Dyana Ornalez, and how it affected his promotion. 

Hoffman said the following...."Despite all this, we had a tremendous West-Contreras bout that the fans really loved and we will have Kaleisha back to Monterey. Thing is:

Nobody called me in the whole process from the Ornalez or Mosquera families. They will each tell you I spoke to them many times during the week of the fight and confirmed their appearance, flight arrangements, weight contract purse...there was no question she intended to fight Jenny Houts at 134 pounds.

Considering the problem with her employer If there was a problem, I would have immediately called Dyana's boss and worked it out. Why didn't anybody making this drastic decision have the courtesy to call me or at least return my numerous calls once I found out what was happening? A couple questions: Why did Dyana's boss wait till 4 pm that afternoon to tell her, and if so, why wasn't I contacted immediately? I did not find out about the problem till 9pm July 6th. Why didn't Mr. Gottlieb call me immediately? The problem escalated without even my knowledge until it was too late. Nobody was considering the big picture in the whole ordeal, only of their own position. I trusted the manager and fighter and they both let me down. I work my ass off trying to make good fights and provide a forum for women's boxing.

Has anyone in the business been doing it longer than 15 straight years of shows with at least one women's bout?

To be treated with such disrespect by all parties, questions why the hell I'm doing what I'm trying to do. I promoted a fight that didn't happened. It's not the end of the world, but a very sad commentary of the state of boxing, and the women's side in particular. This is my home area. Been here in the Monterey area for over 30 years doing radio sports and other gigs. Our fans of the Monterey Bay will remember what happened, but will not hold it against me. Against the sport, fighters, their managers and the State of California is another matter altogether. Anyhow, I will forever wonder why Ms. Ornalez never impressed upon her new employer (of about a month I'm told) the importance of honoring her professional responsibility in Monterey. You would think a boss would love to have an accomplished person like Dyana in her employ, but why did she not know how important this pro debut was going to be. Apparently, not important enough which is troubling. Mr. Gottlieb sold me a total bill of goods and guaranteed totally reliability. Despite efforts to connect with his fighter, Mr. Gottlieb was unable to even speak with Dyana directly to explain her failure to honor the agreement.

Oh, I never heard of Dyana signing and sending to me. I was working with her licensed manager who signed the contract. Dyana never mentioned any issues in our many conversations. I thought her trainer was on board, so why is anything sitting on his desk?  Hopefully people in boxing will be more respectful of others by this example."

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Hoffman
12 Sports Productions
THE RIOT
Promoter, matchmaker