NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson has selected longtime boxing judge Melvina Lathan to head the New York State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing in New York.

Lathan, who replaces Ron Scott Stevens as chairman, says protecting the health, safety and welfare of boxers is her primary objective. She has judged 83 world championship fights and was confirmed by the Senate last year as the first female African-American commissioner.

Stevens is a former matchmaker and promoter credited with enforcing stricter regulation of prize fighting in New York as chairman since 2003. His term as a commissioner runs until January 2009.

Paterson has also nominated state Supreme Court Justice Edwin Torres to the third seat on the commission.

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