The commission charged that DeMarco had a convicted gambler, Jimmy Knapp, acting as his manager "or undercover manager" in violation to the rules. Commission chairman Julius Helfand said that DeMarco was indefinitely suspended pending whether proceedings will be brought to revoke his license. Helfand announced the decision after the three-man commission board heard DeMarco and Knapp, who has no license with the commission, testify about their relationship.
DeMarco, who reigned briefly as lightweight king from March 5 to Nov. 17, 1954, bitterly denied the accusation. He said he would ask for a hearing on the decision within 10 days as commission rules permit.
