Internationally respected official Steve Smoger will conduct an informational referee clinic April 12, 9:30 a. m. ET-12:30 p.m. ET, at the Marquis of Granby Pub/Restaurant Banquet Facility in Toronto, centrally located at 418 Church St. only minutes away from historic Maple Leaf Gardens.
Recognized as one of boxing’s most prolific referees, Steve Smoger’s 30-year career includes refereeing more than 850 bouts, averaging 27+ boxing matches refereed per year, and highlighted by more than 165 world title fights.
A New Jersey and Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Smoger is also this year’s Ring 10 Arthur Mercante Award winner as a referee who exemplifies honesty and integrity in the sport of boxing and who attempts to the best of their ability to keep the sport safe and at the same time entertaining.
He has recently provided similar referee clinics in St. Maarten, and Delaware on behalf of an ABC clinic. “I am honored to address my fellow brother and sister officials of Canada by way of my referee clinic,” Smoger said. “I have found in the past that these clinics have been both beneficial to the attendees and myself. I am delighted during the clinic, as part of the finishing question and answer part of the clinic, to discuss various aspects of officiating and refereeing with real life examples through some of the memorable title fights with boxers that I have had the privilege of sharing the ring with in my capacity as referee.”
The clinic is being held in conjunction with “Boxing Ontario,” which is the only governing body for amateur boxing in Ontario, and is affiliated with the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association. Founded in the fall of 1972, Boxing Ontario has seen a steady growth during the last 30 years, currently encompassing more than 80 boxing clubs in five regions with 900 competitors and approximately 12,000 recreational members.
The Marquis of Granby will be hosting a meet-and-greet with Mr. Smoger on Friday evening, Apr. 11 and the following night (Sat., Apr. 12), the Marquis of Granby will also be showing the Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley fight.
