In addition to any other form in which retirement benefits may be distributed under the pension plan, the commission may, in its discretion, award to a covered boxer a medical early retirement benefit in the amount contained in the covered boxers’ pension plan account at the time the commission makes this award and in the manner provided in the regulations governing the boxers’ pension plan. This benefit shall be in lieu of a pension.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 377, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1997.)