As many El Pasoans know by now, the June 16th fight between Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and Andy Lee, scheduled at the Sun Bowl on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, has been cancelled. This decision was made by University of Texas System Administration officials.

As one who lives in El Paso, I am personally very disappointed by this cancellation. I believe the event would have created a large draw among El Paso and Juarez boxing fans, as well as been a boost to El Paso's image on national television. Having said that, I can appreciate the concern of the UT System officials.

In a personal conversation with the UT System Chancellor, the rationale for cancelling canceling the event was explained and I was given detailed reasons UTEP and the Sun Bowl would not be an appropriate venue for this specific event. Those reasons are based solely on security and safety concerns. UT System officials reiterated this was their decision alone, and not an action by the UT Board of Regents. I realize this was a very tough call for the University of Texas System officials to make.

I know that risk assessments by the UT System are carried out for all UT campuses, not just for UTEP, and I have been assured that this cancellation is event-specific. This should not be seen as a negative reflection on our community or on UTEP.

Statement by Mr. Paul Foster
Executive Chairman, Western Refining Co.
Vice Chairman, University of Texas System Board of Regents