Boxing: Pazienza has to pay fine to meet Graham

Vinnie Pazienza, a twice former world champion, will have to pay an outstanding fine of $5,000 (pounds 3,200) for hitting a referee if he is to fight Herol Graham on 6 December.

Pazienza is serving a 90-day suspension imposed by the New Jersey Commission for striking the official, Tony Orlando, in his last fight, against Dana Rosenblatt 14 months ago. Unless the American pays up, the British Board of Control will not allow him to meet Graham at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham.

However, Pazinenza's manager, Art Pelullo, insists the fine will be paid shortly.

Pazienza floored Orlando after stopping Rosenblatt in the fourth round of a World Boxing Union super-middleweight title fight in August 1996.

Graham's promoter, Frank Maloney, is ready to offer $1m to the winner to meet either Robin Reid, the World Boxing Council title holder, or Joe Calzaghe, who has the World Boxing Organisation crown.