Photographer Unknown, (The Boxer in His Stance)

“The same hand that can write a beautiful poem, can knock you out with one punch—that’s Poetic Justice.”
― “Irish” Wayne Kelly

“Irish” Wayne Kelly was a former pro-boxer, boxing professionally as a light heavyweight, and a referee with a long distinguished career He served as an Army Ranger in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart for his service.

Kelly refereed bouts in the ring with numerous world champions: Oscar de la Hoya, Riddick Bowe and Wladimir Klitschko, among others. Among the most notable fights Kelly officiated was the first Bowe-Andrew Golota fight at Madison Square Garden. The bout ended with Kelly disqualifying Golota for repeated low blows.

One of the most popular and proficient referees, Wayne Kelly was a veteran of twenty-six world championship fights. He passed away on February 1st of 2012 at the age of sixty-three.