There comes a time in life when decisions, although painful, have to be made. After 42 years, I have decided to announce my retirement from boxing as an official. Other than my marriage and children, those years have been the most rewarding for me in so many ways.  You have given me encouragement and support to continue in a responsibility that is not always pleasant.   

The highs and lows that sports officials experience can be very emotional.  At the top of the world with the highs and lower than whale stuff with the lows.  I feel very fortunate in that, honestly, because of all of you, I have attained much more satisfaction and gratification in being an official than having to resort to an area and hide because of criticism.  Your kind words were sincerely appreciated. 

You have been very gracious in your expressions of confidence in my work.  That alone was so very important for me to continue doing it for so many years. I, like so many others, made a lot of sacrifices to be an official.  I had to settle to seeking employment that restricted my income because of having to avail myself to boxing, especially the amateur program.  There were many times that important days, like Mother's Day, when tournaments were scheduled, we could not be home to share them with family.  But it was not all bad; even though some things had to be overcome to be a part of boxing there were other benefits that very rewarding.  For instance, as an amateur and professional, I was able to travel to many foreign countries and able to take my wife along.  We were able to meet and be treated as dignitaries by important people and received special treatment as guests of their countries. Along with that is the upside of the countless number of people that we have as friends from the United States and abroad.

Being able to travel and to see most of the world is something that I have been so lucky to have done.  All of the devotion of my time and sacrifices afforded me that opportunity.  To me it is very important, as I know a lot of affluent people who because of business responsibilities or just not being able to take the time off, never traveled as my wife and I did.

In those years of dedication, I estimate that I officiated over 23,000 (as referee and judge) boxing matches which included many world amateur tournaments culminating with an assignment to be appointed the United States Official at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

I was fortunate to become a professional referee/judge in 1992 and had the honor of being assigned to work 160 title matches, twenty-six of which were World Championship matches.

I leave you with one thing that I am very proud of and all of you with your resourcefulness and wisdom could possibly ascertain if this is accurate.  That is, I may be the only referee in the world who has refereed an Olympic boxing finals and refereed World professional championships. Interesting!

My one wish for a legacy is that I will be remembered by all  the younger officials who I met and assisted in learning their trade.  That was my pleasure and I am very proud of those of you who have become so very accomplished as officials.

I would like to especially express appreciation to the boxers, coaches and managers who were pleased to recognize my assignment to their bouts with approval regarding confidence as to my honesty, consistency and fairness as a referee.

 

This announcement is going to so many who were kind enough with comments and expressions as we crossed paths.  Thank you for appreciating my efforts throughout the years.

 

With a heavy but sincere heart,