LEADING FLORIDA ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON DR. JOHNNY C. BENJAMIN, JR

SELECTED TO SERVE ON ASSOCIATION OF BOXING COMMISSIONS’

MEDICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

For Immediate Release

(Vero Beach, Florida – July 30, 2008) – Florida orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert Dr. Johnny C. Benjamin, Jr. has been selected to serve on the Association of Boxing Commissions’ Medical Sub-Committee. Commission President Tim Lueckenhoff recently announced the appointment of a nine member Committee chaired by Nick Lembo to conduct an in-depth study of the current Uniform Rules of Mixed Martial Arts for possible revisions and updates. Sub-Committees were also created to assist with the review process and provide critical input. Rules for amateur mixed martial arts will also be recommended.

A longtime and outspoken advocate for enhancing safety in mixed martial arts and other combat sports, Dr. Benjamin has developed a national reputation for providing insightful and relevant orthopedic medical commentary regarding injuries, issues and business matters related to sports and general health. He is considered one of the country’s leading sports medicine experts and has treated numerous elite athletes in the MLB, NBA and NFL. Dr. Benjamin’s practice has developed a unique niche in boxing and mixed martial arts and he has worked with a host of world champion boxers including Laila Ali, Vernon Forrest, Sharmba Mitchell, Antonio Tarver, Nate Campbell and Arturo Gatti.

Dr. Benjamin is Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Indian River Medical Center, Director of the Joint Implant Center and Director of Medical Specialty Procedures Surgery Center in Vero Beach, Florida. He is one of only approximately twenty African American fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons in the country. Dr. Benjamin received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his medical degree from the University of Texas. He underwent his orthopedic surgery training at Temple University Hospital and his sixth year of post-doctoral training was a spinal surgery fellowship at the Florida Spine Institute.