Veteran Boxing Judge Tom Kaczmarek Dies at 96

Boxing fans around the world are mourning the loss of an iconic figure in the sport. Tom Kaczmarek, a respected and longtime professional boxing judge, has passed away at the age of 96. His name might not have lit up marquees like the fighters he judged, but for those who truly know the sport, Kaczmarek was a major part of its history.

Who Was Tom Kaczmarek?

If you’re new to boxing or not familiar with what a judge does, you might be asking—who exactly was Tom Kaczmarek? Well, while boxers like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson took center stage, judges like Kaczmarek helped shape the outcomes behind the scenes. They’re the people with the scorecards who decide who wins the fight when there’s no knockout. And Tom was one of the best to ever do it.

He started judging bouts way back in the 1960s and spent decades ringside, carefully observing and scoring thousands of rounds. Over his long career, he contributed to many historic boxing nights and was known for being fair, consistent, and deeply passionate about the sweet science.

The Career That Defined a Legacy

Being a judge in boxing isn't just about watching punches fly—it's about understanding rhythm, tactics, and control. And Kaczmarek mastered all of that. He judged hundreds of fights at the top level, many of them title bouts where everything was on the line.

• More than 90 world title fights judged
• Decades of service in professional boxing
• Member of multiple sanctioning bodies and commissions

He also helped educate others about boxing judging. Kaczmarek taught and mentored young officials, wrote about the scoring process, and even contributed to discussions about making judging more transparent and understandable to fans.

Those efforts mattered—especially in a sport where controversial decisions aren’t uncommon.

Did You Know?

Kaczmarek was so trusted that he often got the nod to officiate some of the biggest boxing events in history. He worked alongside legendary referees, judged international competitions, and earned the respect of fighters, promoters, and fans alike.

A Judge With a Human Touch

What made Tom Kaczmarek stand out wasn’t just his experience—it was his ability to stay grounded. By all accounts, he was humble, thoughtful, and dedicated to getting it right. In a sport full of egos and big personalities, Kaczmarek remained calm, kind, and completely focused, whether he was judging a world title bout in Las Vegas or a small undercard fight in New Jersey.

He once likened boxing judging to reading poetry with gloves on—watching the dance, the rhythm, and trying to find beauty in the chaos. And honestly, that kind of perspective is rare in any profession.

Why Boxing Judging Matters

You might be wondering—why do we put so much importance on judges like Kaczmarek? Here's why:

• They decide close fights: When there’s no knockout, it’s the judges who determine the outcome.
• They influence careers: A single win or loss can shape a fighter’s trajectory.
• They keep the sport fair: A good judge ensures both fighters get a fair shake, regardless of hype or reputation.

Fans want fighters to be judged fairly, and promoters want credibility. People like Tom Kaczmarek made that possible for generations.

The Legacy Left Behind

With Tom's passing at 96, the boxing community loses not just a judge—but a champion for fairness, education, and respect in the sport. His work reached beyond the scorecards and into the fabric of boxing itself.

Kaczmarek’s legacy lives on in the officials he mentored, the fighters he judged, and the fairness he brought to every bout. Think of him as the quiet architect of justice behind boxing's most thunderous nights.

Remembering Tom Kaczmarek

Even if you’ve never heard of Tom Kaczmarek before today, you’ve likely felt his impact. For every boxer who trusted the process, for every fan who wanted a fair result, and for every community that celebrated the sport—Kaczmarek’s influence was there.

He reminds us that you don’t need fists to make an impact in boxing. Sometimes, a trained eye and an honest heart can be even more powerful.

In Tribute: What We Can Learn

So what can we learn from Tom’s long and inspiring career?

• Integrity matters. No matter where you are in life, being fair and honest counts.
• Passion fuels longevity. When you love what you do, 50+ years of service doesn’t feel like work.
• Mentorship leaves a mark. Helping the next generation learn is one of the greatest legacies you can leave.

If you're a boxing fan, watch your next fight with a little more appreciation for the folks at ringside. They're the guardians of fairness. And thanks to leaders like Tom Kaczmarek, their role has become more professional, more consistent, and more respected.

Final Bell for a Boxing Legend

Tom Kaczmarek’s death marks the end of an era—but his contributions will continue to shape the sport for years to come. At 96, he lived a life full of purpose, integrity, and dedication. And whether you're new to boxing or a lifelong fan, there's something to be said for someone who gave their best in every round.

Rest in peace, Mr. Kaczmarek. You were one of a kind.

Have You Noticed a Great Judge in a Recent Fight?

We often focus on the fighters, but what about the people behind the scorecards? Next time you're watching a fight, keep an eye out for a fair, consistent judge—Tom Kaczmarek's legacy lives on in them.