Steve Morrow

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Steve Morrow. Steve was a bear of a man with a quick laugh, a kind word, a gentle heart, and a cherished member of our NABF and WBC family. His professionalism and talent as a judge were unmatched. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Marcie and his family. We will miss you, Steve — vaya con Dios, dear friend.

Steve Morrow, one of the nicest persons you could ever meet, has been a loyal WBC judge since 2007, and I have had the great pleasure to be with him — and sometimes with Marcie — in many countries of the world. This special feature is about Steve, my dearest Steve.

To be a Boxing Judge, you have to be able to fully focus upon the actions of the fighters in the ring, drowning out all the roars, screams, and yelling of a yearning, partisan crowd by placing yourself in a cocoon of absolute concentration for three minutes times twelve, if the fight goes the full distance… yet only a handful of the most skilled and dedicated can achieve this demanding feat. Among the very finest of this select band of brothers and sisters is Steve Morrow. So important, because the Boxing Judge has the career and the very future of the fighter in his heart and his mind. That Boxing Judge has to get the fight right!

Steve Morrow was a Police Officer of dedication and distinction for thirty-one years, retiring in 2008. His love of boxing transformed a hobby into a second career. For eight years, and without pay, he became a ringside reporter/scribe, writing for the now-defunct magazine Boxing Update & Flash. Invaluable preparation — watching, scrutinizing, and assessing the punch-by-punch action and the ring generalship. An invaluable apprenticeship.

Steve’s perception and clear analysis were noted, noticed, and admired. He was invited to train as a Judge. He recalls: “It’s a very tight-knit community and difficult to get into. But through some good luck and good fortune, I was accepted into a Yearling Training Seminar.”

So, Steve started his second career in 1998. He smiles as he honestly and candidly recalls: “My first professional fight assignment was in Monterrey. I was scared to death and made sixty dollars.”

Destiny had guided Steve onto a path of being a Boxing Judge. In an illustrious, brilliant, and distinguished career, Steve has judged five hundred and thirty-three bouts all around the world. His most recent was Lulu Juárez vs. Yésica Nery Plata for the WBC Super Flyweight Green and Gold Belt on October 18th in Texas.

Fellow Judge Tommy Kaczmarek was once advised to take an umbrella to a fight, in case disgruntled, disagreeing patrons chose to fling coins. The news scoop is grist to the mill for veteran Judges.

Without fear or favor, Steve judged the first WBC light heavyweight fight between Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins as a Bernard victory. Yet the other judges saw it as a draw. For months afterward, the Canadian media dubbed him “The American Judge.” Water off a duck’s back, because if you judge it as you see it, you can sleep at night. Steve smiles as he says: “It’s all good. I felt confident and I still do.”

Great men are shaped by destiny for great events. Steve has loved it all. He said: “What started as a hobby turned into a great retirement gig.”

His wife Marcie Lee said: “Traveling the world with Steve has been an honor.”

So… here is a poem for Steve Morrow entitled: