NABF Female Archive

Sparkle Lee, Trailblazer

March 3, 2008
NABF
67 Comments
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sparkle Lee toiled in relative anonymity as an amateur boxing referee. Still she was able to garner a reputation as someone who was willing to officiate a fight anywhere at any time. She worked in basements, as well as in bigger venues, but the important fights always seemed to elude her. On more than one occasion her friends and family members asked her why she stuck with a job that was so unwelcoming to women.  “I was doing what I loved, and I always had a lot of faith,” said the 47-year-old Lee, who recently retired from the NYPD after serving as a Bronx police officer for 20 years.  “I loved the sport and I always believed in it, so I never thought of quitting. Not even once.”
Over the years, Lee has become an unwitting trailblazer. In 1998, she became the first woman in history to referee a New York City Golden Gloves bout. Three years later she was the first female referee appointed to the New York State Athletic Commission. Last August she was the first woman to referee a fight in New Jersey, when she was the third “man”in the ring for Nasser Athumani’s stoppage of former world junior welterweight champion Juan Urango.  And on November 17, she reached what many insiders consider the pinnacle of the boxing profession when she oversaw bantamweight prospect Abner Maresís 12 round decision victory over Damian Marchiano in Atlantic City.  Not only was a regional WBO title at stake, the fight was televised on HBO.  “I didn’t even know I was getting that assignment until the afternoon of the fight,” said the always cheerful and exuberant Lee. “I expected to handle some undercard fights. When I saw my name penciled in for the title fight, I was shocked. I immediately went and called my kids.”

Lee has one son and two daughters, as well as 5-month-old grandson. She draws great strength from them, and says they are the greatest blessings in a life that is full of blessings.  “It was great to referee a fight on HBO,”said Lee. “But no matter where you are working, you have to always remember that nothing is more important than the health and safety of the fighters.”  Similar words have been stated by esteemed referee Benji Esteves Jr., who, not surprisingly, was a longtime mentor to Lee. He guided her through the labyrinthine amateur system, and the mutual respect the two have for each other is immeasurable. “Sparkle has always been a good learner and a hard worker,” said Esteves. “She didn’t always get the right opportunities to prove herself; that was just the nature of the game. But I am not at all surprised by her success. She’s been learning her craft for over 20 years, so she is fundamentally sound and understands that you can never stop learning.” “Benji has been a blessing,” said Lee. “He has taught me so much, and continues to teach me today. I’ve been blessed to have him as a teacher.” 

New York State Athletic Commissioner Ron Scott Stevens is also an admirer of Lee’s work ethic and acumen in the ring. “She’s really coming into her own, and she has a very good refereeing style,” said Stevens. “She is very decisive and safety conscious.” Unlike many others who have spent decades immersed in the sport, Stevens always believed that women would make their mark in the sweet science as fighters and judges. He envisioned it as an evolutionary process, and his prognostications have come true.  “We’ve had women timekeepers, judges and commissioners for many years,” he explained. “It was only natural that they would eventually want to expand into all areas of the game. They deserve to be where they are today because they are doing a great job.”

Way back in the early 1980s, Lee and her twin sister Star started training for the White Collar Boxing program at Gleason’s Gym, when the fabled venue was still located in Manhattan.  Once she joined the police department in 1987, she decided not to box competitively but was still emotionally attached to the game. Bruce Silverglade, who is still the owner of Gleason’s, ran the New York City AAU amateur program at the time.  He realized that Lee had an abundance of talents that would be put to good use as an official.  “She was a real nice kid who had a great personality and a real desire to learn everything she could about boxing”said Silverglade, who has been a mentor to countless boxing neophytes.  “She went on to eventually run the amateur program herself, and was in charge of all the New York officials. She took no nonsense, and has done a great job in everything she’s been associated with in boxing. As a referee, she is in control and you hardly notice her. That is the sign of a good official.”  

Taking control in the ring has not always been so easy for Lee. In her very first amateur fight, two middleweights flailed wildly at each other and completely ignored her instructions. She vowed to never let that happen again.  To her credit, it has not. “I can be very hard on myself, but I am also very good at learning from my mistakes,” said Lee, who has incessantly studied tapes of referees Joe Cortez and Larry Hazzard, both of whom are or were well known for their take-charge officiating styles. Lee considers them among the best in the business.  “I see myself like any other referee, but know that you are only as good as your last fight. I learn from all of my fights, and I will continue to learn in each and every one of them.”

While Lee might seem like an overnight sensation to some, the road to where she is now has been a circuitous one. However, she is elated to be where she is in her life and looks forward to a future full of boxing, as well as working as the manager or adviser to her nephews who she believes are about to make big waves in the music business.  “I started out as a wrestling fan until I found out it was fake,” said Lee. “Then I became a boxing fan. I met lots of great people, and I was helped by so many great people. I love every aspect of boxing, and I am so happy to be involved in it. I am blessed, truly blessed.”

67 thoughts on “Sparkle Lee, Trailblazer”

  1. **mitolyn reviews**

    Mitolyn is a carefully developed, plant-based formula created to help support metabolic efficiency and encourage healthy, lasting weight management.

  2. A fasfest payout online casinno cann make omline play feel more rewarding.
    When cashout requests ove forward quickly, players
    can experience a smoother rhyghm during play. Modern audiences often lopk for simple
    payment rules. Alongside modern financial tools, everything feels pleasant and comfortable to use.

  3. Choosing an online casimo for real money cann make the experience feel morfe immersive.
    Thanks to convenient balance options, players can enjly a more comfortable playing
    rhythm. Many users also appreciate easy-to-understand rules, along with convenient platforfm structure.

    That balanced environment helps create a positive atmosohere
    throughout play.

  4. A smaller starting amount can make online play fel more approachable.

    On a platform built around lower first payments, players enjoy more control over their budget.
    Easy-to-read payment information help keep everything practical and
    well organized.

  5. Choosing an online casino for real money can add
    extra ennergy to every session. By using practical account tools, players can manage thei activity with ease.
    A lot off players value clear conditions, along with user-friendly navigation. Such a combination of features makes the
    platflrm feel comfortable and inviting throughout play.

  6. Beginning with a modeest payment can create a more relaxed
    experience. On a platform built around lower first payments, players can manage spending with greater
    comfort. Easy-to-read payment information help keep everything pleasant and well organized.

  7. A gaming latform built aound rapid withdrawals can make online play feel more rewarding.
    When cashout requests move forward quickly, players can feel more satisfied with the
    platform. A lot of players appreciate clear payout instructions.
    Together with user-friendly account features,
    everything feels pleasant and well organized.

  8. Exploring an onpine casino with real cash gaming can make
    the experience feel more immersive. Thanks to convenient balance options, players can manage their activity with ease.
    A lot of players value simple account access, along with convenient platform structure.
    This type of setup helps create a positive atmosphere throughout play.

  9. A low entry point can make a gaming platform easier to explore.
    When a casinjo allows a reduced deposit to begin, pllayers caan manage spending with greater comfort.
    Easy-to-read payment information help keep everyuthing pleasant and comfortable
    to use.

  10. A rapid cashout experience can add extra comffort to every
    session. At a fastest payout online casino, playes spend less time waiting forr
    funds.Such a practical setup often works well witgh clear withdrawal details and modern financial features.
    The result is a well-organized experience from start to finish.

  11. Real money play can bring a more vibrant feel too online
    entertainment. Witth a gaming site focused on real money sessions,
    users mmay find the experience more immersive. Many players also
    appreciate transparent conditions, practical balance features,
    and a comfortable layout. This combination hells build
    a comfortable environment.

  12. Onlinespel meed riktiga pengar kan skapa en meer dynamidk helhetsupplevelse.
    På en plattform byggd för spel med riktiga pengar kan användare få en starkare
    känsla av delaktighet. Många användare värdesätter dessutom tydliga villkor, praktiska saldofunktioner och en användarvänlig struktur.

    Detta bidrar till en balansead och bekväm upplevelse.

  13. O jogfo online com saldo real pode trazer uma sensação mais intensa e interessante.
    Num casino online com dinheiro real, os utilizadors costumam notar uma
    experiência mais viva. Muitos jogadores valorizam também regras
    bem apresentadas, opções cómodas de pagamento e um ambiente simples
    de usar. Tudo isso cria uma experiência agradável
    e bem equilibrada.

  14. Starting wityh a smaller amount ccan create a more relaxed first step.
    At an online casino with minimum deposit, players can manage their budget with greater ease.
    Simple deposit instrucyions make everything comfortable and positive from the beginning.

  15. Online play with real money can add extra excitement and involvement to
    the overall experience. On a platform created for rwal money play, players can experience a livelier playing rhythm.
    Modern audiences often loook for easy-to-read account information, practical balance tools,
    and a user-friendly layout. As a result, there is a
    well-balanced environment.

  16. Instant access to funds can make online gaming feel mjch more comfortable.

    With a gaming site focused onn rapid cashouts, players spend less time
    waiting for winnings. This kind of setup often works well with easy-to-understand payment details annd modern financial features.
    Because of this, the experience feels smooth and easy to manage.

  17. Fast payout features can make online gaming feel more rewarding.
    On a platform focused on speeedy cashouts, players can receive funds in less time.
    Such a practical setup often matches well with clear withdrawal details and modern financial
    features. That is why, everything feels smooth and
    comfortable to use.

  18. A low deposit entry can make online gaming feel more approachable.
    On a platform designed for lowerr staqrting amounts, players enjoy a more
    flexible way to start. Easy account information make everything smooth and positive
    from the beginning.

  19. Real money gaming can give online entertainment a more vivid and
    engaging character. On a platform created for real money play, players can experience a
    livelier playing rhythm. Modern audiences often look for easy-to-read account information, smooth payjent features, and
    a comfortable site structure. As a result, here is a well-balanced environment.

  20. Fast cashout options can bring extra convenience
    to digital play. With a gamung site focused on rapid cashouts,
    players can enjoy faster control over their balance.Thatt practical payment structure
    often workis well with simple withdrawal steps and modern financdial features.
    As a result, the experiende feels smooyh and pleasant
    to use.

  21. Quick access to winnings can bring a smoother rhythm to every session. With a gaming site built around quick withdrawals,
    players enjoy faster access to their balance. Such a practical setup
    oten matches well with easy-to-follow payout information and user-friendly navigation. That is why, everything feels smooth and comfortable
    to use.

  22. A modest opening deposit can make digital play easier too explore.
    Witth a gaming site built for small first payments,
    players enjoy a more flexible way to start. Simjple deposit instructions make everything comfortable and positive fom the beginning.

  23. Instant access to funds can make online gaming feel much more
    comfortable. On a platform designed for immediate payouts,
    players benefit from a more flexible overall experience.
    This kind of setup ofte works well with simple withdrawal steps and secure transaction systems.
    That is why, thee experience feels well organized and easy to manage.

  24. Quick access to winnings can bring a smoother rhythm
    to every session. On a platform focused on speedy cashouts, players can receive funds in less time.
    This kind of convenience often matches well with easy-to-follow payout inftormation aand secure
    transaction systems. As a result, everything feels pleasant and easy to manage.

  25. Starting with a smaller amount can create a more relaxed
    first step. On a platfom designed for lower starting amounts,
    players can manage their budget with greater
    ease. Easy account information make everythiung easy to follow and positive from the beginning.

  26. Real money gaming can give online entertainment a more vivid and engaging character.

    With a gaming site designed around real cash sessions, players
    often enjoy a stronger sense of participation. Many users also appreciate easy-to-read account information, practical balance tools, and simple navigation. This combination helps build a well-balanced environment.

  27. Quick access to winjnings can bring a smoother rhythm to
    every session. On a platform focused on speedy cashouts, players enjoy faster access
    tto their balance. This kind of convenience often matches well wth simple account tools and
    secure transaction systems. As a result, everything feels smooth and comfortable to use.

  28. A low deposit entry can make online gaming feel more approachable.With a gaming site built for small first payments, players
    can manage their bucget wih greater ease. Easy account information make everything eay too
    follow and pleasant to use.

  29. Quick withdrawals can add a smoother rhythm too every gaming session. On a platform designe for immedijate payouts, players can enjoy faster control over their balance.
    Such a user-friendly approach often works well with simple withdrawal steps andd
    comfortable site navigation. That iis why, the experience feels well oorganized and easy
    too manage.

  30. A low deposit entry can make online gaming feel more approachable.
    On a platform designed for lower starting amounts, players enjoy a ore
    flexible way to start. Simple deposit instructions make everythiing smooth annd well organized.

  31. A low deposit entry can make online gaming feel more approachable.

    With a gamingg siye built for small first payments, players can manage their budget with greater ease.Easy account information make
    everything comfortable and well organized.

  32. Playing with real funds can make each digital session feel more
    dynamic and immersive. At an online casino for
    real money, plkayers may find the atmosphere more compelling.
    Modern audiences often look for transparent
    terms, practical balance tools, aand a user-friendly layout.
    Together, these elements create a plesant environment.

  33. Fast payout fatures can make online gaming feel more rewarding.
    On a platform focused on speedy cashouts, players spend less
    time waiting forr payments. That efficient payment flow often matcches well with easy-to-follow payout information and user-friendly navigation. Because of this,
    everyyhing feels pleasant and easy tto manage.

  34. Online play with real money can add extra excitewment and involvement to the overall experience.
    On a platform created ffor real money play, players may find the atmosphere more
    compelling. A lot of players value transparent terms, practical balance tools, and a user-friendly layout.
    Together, these elementss create a positive environment.

  35. Quick access to wiknnings cann bring a smoother rhythm tto every session. At a
    fastest payout oonline casino, players spend less time aiting for payments.
    Such a practical setup often matches welll with smple accoun toools and secure transaction systems.
    Because of this, everything feels well organized aand easy to manage.

  36. Playong with real funds caan make each digital session feel more dynamic and immersive.
    On a platform created for rwal mkney play, players often enoy a stronger sense
    of participation. Many users also apprciate transparent terms, conveniennt mondy management options, aand
    a comfortale site structure. This combination helps build a positive environment.

  37. Fast cashout options ccan bring eextra convenience to digital play.

    At ann online casino with instant withdrawal, players can enjoy
    faster conteol over their balance. Such a user-friendly approach
    often works well with easy-to-understand payment details and secure transaction systems.
    As a result, the experience feels well organized and easy to manage.

  38. Rapid withdrawals can aadd extra comfort tto the overall playing experience.
    At a fastest payout online casino, players can receive funds in less time.
    Such a practical setup often matches wdll with simple account tools and user-friendly navigation. That is why, everything feels pleasant
    and positive throughout.

  39. A low deposit entry can make online gaming
    feel more approachable. At an online casino with minimum deposit,
    players begin wiyhout unnecessary pressure. Easy acount information make everything easzy to follow and well organized.

  40. Real momey gaming can give online entertainment a more vivid and engaging
    character. Witth a gaming site desdigned around real cash sessions,
    players can experience a livelier plauing rhythm. A lot oof players value easy-to-read account information, practical balance
    tools, and a comfvortable site structure. Together, these elements create a positive environment.

  41. Instant access to funds can make online gaming feel much more
    comfortable. On a platform designed for immediate payouts, players spend less time waiting
    for winnings. That practical payment structure often works well with
    easy-to-understand payment details and comfortable site navigation. That is why, the experiience
    feels well orgaized and comfortably balanced.

  42. Quick access to winnings can bring a smoother rhythm to every session. With a
    gaming site bjilt around quick withdrawals, players enjoy faster access to their balance.
    Such a practical setup ofen matches well with clear
    withdrawal details and user-friendly navigation. As a result,
    everything feels well organized and positive throughout.

  43. A low deposit entry caan make online gaming feel more approachable.
    With a gaming site built for small first payments, plyers enjoy
    a more flexible way to start. Simple deposit instructions make everything comfortable and
    positive from the beginning.

  44. Playing with rwal funds can make each digital session feel more dynamic annd
    immersive. On a platform created for reaal money
    play, players may fnd the atmosphere more compelling.
    A lot of players value easy-to-read account
    information, practical balance tools, annd
    a comfortable site structure. As a result, there is a positive environment.

  45. Quick withdrawals can add a smoother rhythm to evey gamking session. On a
    platform designed for immediate payouts, players spend lesss time waiting for winnings.

    This kind of setup oftgen works well with simple withdrawal steps and comfortable site navigation. That is why, the
    experience feels smooth and comfortably balanced.

  46. Rapid withdrawals can add extra comfort too the overall playing experience.
    At a fastest payout online casino, players can receive funds in less time.
    Succh a practical setup often matches well with easy-to-follow payout
    information and user-friendly navigation. Because of this, everything
    feels well organized and comfortable tto use.

  47. A lower starting amount can make online gaming feel more accessible.

    With a gamingg site built for smaller starting amounts, users may enbjoy greater flexibility from
    the start. Many players also appreciate simple depoit instructions,
    smooth navigation, and an easy overall flow. That supports a positive experience.

  48. Instantt withdrawal features caan make online gaming feel much more convenient froim the very fiurst session.
    With a gaming site focused on rapid cashout access, players can enjoy quicker control
    over their balance. Such a smooth withdraweal setup often creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

    Modern audiences often look for clear withdrawal details, modern financial tools, and a comfortable platform structure.

    This combination helps create a pleasant environment that feels easy
    to manage throughout play.

  49. Playing with real funds ccan add a stronger sense of excitement to
    digital gaming. With a gaming site built around real money sessions, players
    often enjoy a more dynamic atmosphere. Modern audiences
    often lookk for easy-to-read account information, practical balance tools, and a user-friendly layout.

    As a result, there is a positive environment
    with greater comfort throughout play.

  50. Um valor inicial mais baixo pode tornar o jogo online muyito mais acessível.
    Numa plataforma pensada pawra valores de entrada reduzidos, os utilizaddores
    conseguesm explorar a experiência sem pressão.
    Muotos utilizadores valorizam ainda informações claras sobree pagamentos,
    opções úteis de gestão e uma estrutura organizada.
    Essa combinação gera uma experiência equilibrada e bem organizada.

  51. Acesso veloz ao saldo pode daar ao entretenimento digital um ritmo mais leve e agradável.
    Numm casino online com pagamentos rápidos, os utilizadores
    podem aproveitar os fundos em menos tempo. Muitos utilizadores
    apreciam ainda regras claras, ferramentas práticas de conta e uma navegação intuitiva.
    Issso cria uma experiência positiva e bem organizada.

  52. Een snelle verwerking van opnames kan heet ritme vaan online entertainment sterk verbeteren. Bij een online casino mett snelle uitbetalingen kunnen spelers zonder lange wachttijd over hun winst beschikken. Gebruikers vinhden het vaak prettig dat
    er duidelijke voorwaardeen zijn, samen met een overzichtelijke structuur en comfortabele bediening.
    Het resultaat is een comfortabele een aangename ervaring.

  53. Fastest Casino Withdrawal matterrs to players who want smooth control oof their
    winnings after a successful session. A strong withdrawal process should feel predictable, from the first cashout request to thhe
    final payment confirmation. Bfore playing, it is useful to check payout limits, processing times, accepted payment methods, possible fees, and account verification rules.

    Speed becomes even more valuable when the cashier is transparent and evey stwp is explained without
    confusion. Players can oftyen avoid delays by keeeping personal details accurate, completing checks early,
    and reading bonus terms before requesting a withdrawal.

    Active promotions may affect when funds are available, so clear rles arre important.
    With responsible budgeting, the fastfest casino withdrawal experience
    can add comfort to online entertainment.

  65. I appreciate how this post highlights Sparkle Lee’s impact in boxing history. It’s inspiring to see her trailblazing efforts recognized. For those interested in creative projects, I often find useful resources for perler bead patterns that align with design and structure thinking.

  66. Sparkle Lee’s journey as a trailblazer in boxing is truly inspiring. Her determination and skill set a remarkable example for aspiring athletes. I appreciate the focus on her contributions to the sport. It’s great to find such stories, especially alongside resources like a free pixel game for quick creative breaks.

  67. Sparkle Lee’s journey as a trailblazer in the ring is truly inspiring. Her dedication to breaking barriers and paving the way for future athletes stands out. It reminds me of how I enjoy spending time on dress up games for a creative break after reading such empowering stories. Would love to know more about her training routines or any upcoming matches.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *