Steve Smoger
Born: Aug. 15, 1950
Induction: 2015
Born August 15, 1950 in Norfolk, VA. Smoger’s interest in boxing was inspired by his father, whom he’d spend time watching the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports.
He started in boxing in the early 1970s as a timekeeper, judge and referee for the Police Athletic League. With Atlantic City experiencing a pro boxing boom Smoger kept a busy pace as an inspector (1978-1983) in New Jersey. In 1984 he began his career as a professional referee there and two years later (1986) he officiated his first world title go, an IBF flyweight bout, in South Korea. He has since become one of the most respected and in-demand referees in the sport. In over three decades in boxing Smoger has been third man in the ring for nearly 200 title bouts and officiated all over the world including Argentina, Italy, Germany, Thailand, Japan and China. He was arbiter for such notable contests as Canizales vs. Seabrooks, McCallum vs. Toney I, Holmes vs. Mercer, Jones Jr. vs. Hopkins I, Pazienza vs. Duran II, Micky Ward vs. Augustus, Hopkins vs. Trinidad, Forrest vs. Mosley I, Pavlik vs.Taylor I, Andre Ward vs. Froch, Andre Ward vs. Dawson and Garcia vs. Judah.
Still active, Smoger is highly regarded for his preparation, ability and instinct in the ring.