After greater than three a long time refereeing fights within the skilled ranks, Kenny Bayless has determined to name it quits.
Bayless, 73, wrote in a Fb submit that he has retired as a referee in Nevada, the place he resides and has lengthy been registered to officiate professional fights.
Bayless, who was born in Berkeley, Calif., has officiated among the most notable bouts previously couple of a long time, from the 2004 heavyweight bout between Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones Jr. to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao in 2015 to the primary bout between Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez in 2017 to the heavyweight title rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in 2020.
Bayless famous in his submit that he would nonetheless be refereeing exhibition matches and that he might look to take up a submit with one in all boxing’s 4 sanctioning our bodies (IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA).
“I’m comfortable to announce that I’m retiring as a referee from the state of Nevada,” Bayless wrote. “After greater than 4 a long time within the ring—32 as an expert referee and one other decade within the beginner, I’m happy with my contribution to the game of boxing and grateful for my accomplishments.
“Through the years I maintained good well being so I plan to remain concerned within the sport—perhaps as a supervisor with one of many 4 main boxing organizations and even as a decide. You would possibly even see me within the ring for a global exhibition or celeb match. I’m open to no matter comes my route. I’ve a few alternatives within the works in the intervening time.
“I wish to thank God for watching over me and the fighters for these a few years. I wish to additionally thank my spouse, my household and pals for his or her continued help , and all my boxing followers. Hope you benefit from the photos of a few of my memorable bouts! See you on the fights!”
Sean Nam is the creator of Homicide on Federal Road: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Final Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.
