BoxingScene has learned of the death of renowned boxing judge Tom Kaczmarek at the age of 96.
Kaczmarek was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on August 10, 1928, and fought as an amateur and a professional, earning a record in the paid ranks of 11-5-3, (1 KO), and retiring after dropping a decision to Bubber Gaughan in April 1949.
He ultimately became a judge, officiating more than 1,500 bouts, including Sugar Ray Leonard's 1989 split draw rematch with Thomas Hearns (which Kaczmarek scored 113-112 for Leonard), Evander Holyfield's unanimous decision win over George Foreman and Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s split decision win over Oscar De La Hoya (which Kaczmarek saw 115-113 for De La Hoya).
Kaczmarek also wrote a book, “You Be the Boxing Judge!: Judging Professional Boxing for the TV Boxing Fan.”
He was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994.
Professional boxing judge and BoxingScene contributor Tom Schreck said, “I met Tommy when I was just starting out in judging; he went out of his way to be friendly and supportive. He was a great teacher and had a great framework for how he approached his craft. He was one of the best and won’t be forgotten.”
Kieran Mulvaney has written, broadcast and podcast about boxing for HBO, Showtime, ESPN and Reuters, among other outlets. He presently co-hosts the “Fighter Health Podcast” with Dr. Margaret Goodman. He also writes regularly for National Geographic, has written several books on the Arctic and Antarctic, and is at his happiest hanging out with wild polar bears. His website is www.kieranmulvaney.com.