By: Sean Crose
One of the most famous longtime referees in all of boxing has passed away. Steven Smoger, a likable, fair-minded and ubiquitous in the boxing ring for decades, was 72 years old when he was presumed dead of an undisclosed illness. Celebrities in the boxing world then took to social media to pay their respects and condolences.
“Steve is a true ‘boxer umpire’.” Former middleweight player and broadcaster Sergio Maura tweeted, “He’s given boxers every chance he can to get back into fights where he’s never been. they’re losing. Smart. Hard. Respected.”
“Rest in peace, Steve Smoger,” posted promoter Lou DiBella, “a role model #Boxing referee and just a great guy. He loves our sport and the people in it and that is reflected in the way he lives and works. Live every day, friends; it was a short trip. My deepest condolences to the Smoger family.”
Famed broadcaster Al Bernstein said: “So sad to hear that Steve Smoger has passed away. “A great guy and IMO the best boxing intro of his day.”
Writer and broadcaster Chris Mannix stated: “Depressed by the loss of Steve Smoger. “One of the real good guys in boxing, aside from being one of its best referees. Switched – successfully – to referee/judge analysis in recent years and did a great job at it. THEN, Steve.”
“The worldwide boxing community is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary referee Steve Smoger,” wrote the World Boxing Organization. “The WBO family sends their condolences to his friends and family. You can rest in peace.”
In a business where being kind sadly does more harm than good, Smoger has managed to be kind and successful at the same time – a feat no easy feat. Beginning in 1984, Smoger went on to referee over a thousand professional fights in a career that lasted until 2018. In 2015, the Atlantic City native was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Mr. International.
He said in an interview with boxes. “My friend said ‘peace prize?’ And I said ‘yes’, my job is to keep the peace in the ring…I’m honored and I’m humbled.”
When asked about his reputation for allowing fights to continue when others in his position could have prevented them, Smoger expressed confidence in his decision-making progress.
“I want the fighters to decide their match,” he replied. “Give them every chance to decide the outcome. And that’s my philosophy and it’s obviously helped me settle in.”
