By: Sean Crose
One of the most well-liked very long time referees in all of boxing has reportedly died. Steven Smoger, an affable, truthful minded, and ubiquitous presence in boxing rings for many years, was 72 years of age when he reportedly handed on from an undisclosed sickness. Notables within the boxing world subsequently took to social media to publish their respects and condolences.
“Steve was a real ‘fighter’s referee.’” former junior middleweight titlist and broadcaster Sergio Maura tweeted. “He gave boxers every chance possible to get back into fights they were losing. Smart. Tough. Respected.”
“Rest in peace, Steve Smoger,” posted promoter Lou DiBella, “an exemplary #boxing referee and just a terrific guy. He loved our sport and the people in it and it was reflected in the way he lived and worked. Live every day, friends; it’s a short ride. Heartfelt condolences to the Smoger family.”
“So sad to hear of Steve Smoger’s death,” said famed broadcaster Al Bernstein. “Terrific person and IMO the best ref in boxing during his time.”
“Crushed by the loss of Steve Smoger,” claimed author and broadcaster Chris Mannix. “One of the genuine good guys in boxing, in addition to being one of its best referees. Transitioned — successfully — to a referee/judge analyst in recent years and was tremendous at it. RIP, Steve.”
“The boxing community around the world is saddened by the passing of legendary referee Steve Smoger,” wrote the World Boxing Organization. “The WBO family sends its condolences to his friends and family. May he Rest In Peace.”
In a enterprise the place being good is unfortunately extra of a detriment than it’s an asset, Smoger managed to be good and profitable concurrently – no straightforward feat. Beginning in 1984, Smoger went on to referee over a thousand skilled fights in a profession that lasted till 2018. In 2015, the Atlantic City native was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“I’ve told my friend it’s like winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and the Nobel Peace Prize,” he mentioned in an interview with Boxwelt. “My friend said ‘peace prize?’ And I said ‘yes,’ it is my job to keep peace in the ring…I’m honored and I’m humbled.”
When requested about his reputations for permitting fights to proceed when others in his place might need stopped them, Smoger expressed confidence in his determination making progress.
“I want the fighters to decide their fights,” he answered. “Give them every opportunity to determine the outcome. And that’s been my philosophy and apparently it’s held me in good stead.”
