Steve Smoger has died
The World Boxing Council made the following announcement after legendary referee Steve Smogger passed away:
"It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Steve Smoger.
"Born August 15, 1943 in Norfolk, VA. Steve's interest in boxing was inspired by his father, as they spend time watching the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports.
"Steve started in boxing in the early 1970s as a Judge and Referee for the Police Athletic League. With Atlantic City experiencing a pro boxing boom Steve kept a busy pace as an inspector (1978-1983) in New Jersey.
"In 1984 he began his career as a professional Referee there, and two years later (1986) he officiated his first world title, which was an IBF flyweight bout, in South Korea.
"Steve become one of the most respected and in-demand Referees in the sport. In over three decades in boxing, Steve was third man in the ring for nearly 200 title bouts and officiated all over the world including Argentina, Italy, Germany, Thailand, Japan and China.
"He was arbiter for such notable contests as Canizales vs. Seabrooks, McCallum vs. Toney I, Holmes vs. Mercer, Jones Jr. vs. Hopkins I, Pazienza vs. Duran II, Micky Ward vs. Augustus, Hopkins vs. Trinidad, Forrest vs. Mosley I, Pavlik vs.Taylor I, Andre Ward vs. Froch, Andre Ward vs. Dawson and Garcia vs. Judah.
"A truly great boxing man, Steve will be greatly missed and always admired. The entire World Boxing Council Family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to Steve`s family and friends.
"No one is indispensable. Some people are irreplaceable."
BBN would also like to pass on their condolences to Steve's family and friends.
