Abe J. Greene
Born: 1899
Died: Sept. 22, 1988
Induction: 2009
Born in 1899. “Mr. Boxing” in New Jersey, Greene is often credited with revitalizing boxing in “The Garden State” and positioning it as an attractive venue for major bouts.
Based in Paterson, NJ, Greene worked as a newspaperman, ultimately employed at the Paterson Evening News for 56 years as a reporter, city editor, sports editor, managing editor and associate editor. While working at the paper, Greene was appointed as State Boxing Inspector, which led to his selection as State Boxing Commissioner in 1937. He held the post until 1953.
In 1941 he was elected president of the National Boxing Association (NBA) and served until 1948. He was reappointed State Athletic Commissioner in 1970 and held that position intermittently for 13 years. In 1970 he was also elected lifetime commissioner by the World Boxing Association (WBA).
During his many years in boxing, Greene was one of the sports most respected officials and is noted for defending the well-being and rights of boxers. Greene, who has awarded the BWAA's James J. Walker Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing in 1949, died of heart failure on September 22, 1988 in Paterson at age 89.