ONE OF FEW TRUE “HONEST” MEN IN BOXING
Elmo Adolph
San Francisco, CA– It is with a heavy and torn apart heart that I have to tell you that referee Elmo Adolph passed away earlier today while sleeping. This news was very painful to hear as Elmo and I had connections for over 20 years. When boxing got big in the south, especially when casinos became legal in places like Mississippi, Elmo Adolph was the “go to” guy and became the preeminent referee in the south.
BORN, EDUCATED AND PASSED IN LOUISIANA
Born in Destrehan, LA, Elmo graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1956. Elmo, and I will refer to my friend by his first name for the most part here, had been an amateur referee since 1964 and worked the 1988 South Korea Olympics. His professional tenure as a referee began in 1992, working over 1,000 professional matches that included 32 title fights. Over the years Elmo was the “third man” in fights involving Tommy Hearns, Larry Holmes, Hector Camacho, Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., “Sugar Ray” Leonard in addition to Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.
ELMO WAS A BLOGGER HERE AT RINGTALK.COM
It was just the day before yesterday that Elmo wrote a number of comments on an article I penned entitled, “2012 Olympic Results An In Indictment Of USA Boxing.” Over the years, Elmo made a couple of appearances on “Ring Talk Radio,” and we chatted on the phone on occasion. In closing, Elmo Adolph was one of the most honest men I have ever known, be it in boxing or life in general. Although nobody is perfect, Elmo admitted just that and stated that he wouldn’t be afraid to admit a major gaff had he committed one. That being said, his family should be extremely proud of Elmo the man!
RETIRED AS A REFEREE IN 2006
At the age of 72, Elmo retired from boxing, both as a judge and referee in 2006. When he died earlier today, Elmo was 78 years old. In closing, it is with dampened tear ducts that I say “goodbye” to Elmo Adolph, a great man and a true credit to the human race, let alone the world of boxing. Funeral services are pending. Before I go, I want to say one more thing. If we had more people of Elmo’s ilk, we would indeed live in a better world!
Pedro Fernandez