Steve Smoger was a top quality referee. May Steve Smoger Rest In Peace. My condolences to his family.
One of the absolute best refs ever. Always knew when to stay out of the way like he did in Jirov vs Toney and Ward vs Burton and when to step in and protect a fighter like he did in Pavlik vs Taylor and BHOP vs Tito. RIP
Steve Smoger led a full and interesting life apart from his work as a referee. He has a law degree and in 1980, he was appointed the first full-time prosecutor in Atlantic City, N.J., where he grew up. He was also a member of the state air national guard and the Air Force Reserve, rising to the rank of colonel. In 1982, on the 30th anniversary of Joe Walcott-Rocky Marciano I, New Jersey boxing commissioner Walcott made Smoger the first referee he appointed after being named to that post. Smoger was as good as any referee of any era IMO. RIP.
May he rest in peace. His calling off of the Margarito Cotto 2 was epic, a masterclass in terms of how he reffed it. Says Robert "give us one more round, give us one more round." Doctor : were stopping it. The doctor proceeds to get down from the apron, ss does his magic :"doctor is it over?" Doc "yes."... No mas signal from smogey, NO exclaims Margarito!!! The crowd goes wild!
Great ref with excellent judgement and who always seemed to have proper compassion in the right moment. He'll be missed.
RIP Steve A great referee who was always on top of any situation and had the interests of the fighter at the front of mind. Very sad news to hear so close to the passing of Mills Lane.