Prosecutors in a professional boxing corruption case in Newark, New Jersey, said yesterday that corrupt officials took advantage of the blood, sweat and dreams of young boxers by demanding bribes in exchange for advancement in the rankings and a chance to fight big-money bouts. In opening statements at a trial that federal officials hope will begin to root corruption from pro boxing, Assistant US Attorney Jose Sierra told US District Court jurors "This case is about young men who dream, who sweat, who bruise and who bleed" for the chance to become world boxing champions.
