As head of New Jersey's athletic control board, Hazzard understood the political machinations and intrigue involved with regulating the sport in a state eager for the product in its Atlantic City casinos and Boardwalk Hall.

Hazzard used these skills as the state's boxing commissioner for more than 21 years, a tenure that ended Wednesday, when he was fired by state attorney general Anne Milgram. The attorney general's office confirmed the firing yesterday.

Sources said Hazzard was escorted out of his office building in Trenton.

"Larry just [made angry] one too many of the politicians in this state," a source told the Daily News. "They finally got fed up and told him to leave.

"He followed the rules. He made sure the fighters had all their medicals. He did everything by the rules, he was a stand-up guy. I just think some people had it out for him."

Another source said the firing "was political."

A spokesman for the attorney general told the Newark Star-Ledger: "The attorney general said it was time for a change. It's a few months into her own administration and she's been examining division directors and she wanted to make a change. This is a personnel matter and it's a personnel change."

Hazzard declined to comment.

Bernard Hopkins, the IBO and NBA light-heavyweight champion, has a long history with Hazzard. When Hopkins held his "Night of Champions" fund-raiser for his Make-A-Way Foundation in May, Hazzard was listed as one of the guests.

Hopkins was angry when he heard about the firing.

"Nobody can tell me why Larry got fired," Hopkins said. "Everybody told me that the attorney general said there was no comment.

"Just like that, there was a change. It's just like changing quarterbacks. If you want to change [Donovan] McNabb, you have to have a reason. You just can't change him.

"It seems to me that Larry has a discrimination suit, for being fired like that. He's been in that job for 20-plus years. You don't come into a guy's office and tell him he's fired.

"You have to indict me or say I did something because I'm not going to take it on the chin. You can't just get rid of me. It was premeditated and planned out."

Hazzard's tenure coincided with Atlantic City's continued prominence as a boxing venue. Many Saturday nights were boxing nights in one of Atlantic City's glittering gambling palaces. Big boxing cards historically draw high rollers and celebrities, two of Atlantic City's most prized clientele.

Hazzard was right in the middle of the action, a stylishly dressed drill sergeant often sitting ringside making sure everything was shipshape. He was known for jumping into the ring to stop a bout that had turned dangerously onesided. He also would stand up between the ropes and implore a referee to stop a bout.

He is widely regarded as a leader and authority about the sport. He is credited with developing the 10-point majority scoring system and the first use of instant replay in the sport.

The Newark native graduated from Montclair State College in 1972. In 1980, he received a master's in administration and supervision of education.

In 1978, he began refereeing professional bouts. By 1986, he had refereed many world championship fights in every weight class, according to the state athletic control board Web site.

Hazzard was the chief boxing referee in the state when he was appointed commissioner by then-Gov. Thomas H. Kean in Feburary 1986. Officials said deputy commissioner Sylvester Cuyler will be acting commissioner until a replacement is named. *