The International Boxing Federation is deeply saddened and extends its sincerest condolences to the family of boxing referee Wayne Kelly, 63, who passed away this Wednesday, February 1, from a heart attack. Kelly’s passing has come as a shock to many in the boxing community. He was an active and long-time member of the IBF, regularly attending the organization’s annual conventions and had been a speaker at the referee’s seminar for the convention in 2010. Wayne will be missed very much and by many in the organization.
Kelly, a native New Yorker, briefly boxed himself. Yet his career as a boxing referee spanned over two decades. Wayne officiated several IBF/USBA title fights including Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibrigamov and Arturo Gatti vs. Wilson Rodriguez, both notable bouts. However, the fight he will always be remembered for is the first between Riddick Bowe and Andrew Golota.
Wayne was a Vietnam War Veteran. In lieu of flowers, the Kelly family is suggesting a donation be made in Wayne’s memory to the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org, 1-800-VVA-1316).
Services for Wayne will be at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home located at 506 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park, New York. Viewing is February 3, 2-4:30PM and 7-9:30PM and February 4, 2-4:30PM and 7-9:30PM. Interment will be on Monday, February, 6 at Calverton National Cemetery.
