Great referee Kenny Bayless retires
After more than three decades as a superb professional boxing referee, the iconic Kenny Bayless has announced his retirement through his social networks.
Bayless, 73, who was born in Berkeley, California, has officiated some of the most notable fights in recent decades, from the 2004 heavyweight bout between Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones Jr. to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao in 2015, from the first fight between Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Álvarez in 2017 to the heavyweight title rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in 2020.
“I am happy to announce that I am retiring as a referee for the state of Nevada. After more than four decades in the ring, 32 years as a professional referee and another decade as an amateur. I am satisfied with my contribution to the sport of boxing and grateful for my achievements. I have maintained good health over the years, so I plan to stay involved in the sport, perhaps as a supervisor or as a judge. I want to thank God for taking care of me and the fighters over these years. I also want to thank my wife, my family and friends for their continued support, and to all my boxing fans.”
The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán wished him great success in his future plans.
BBN would also like to wish Kenny all the best in retirement.