I liked Smoger a lot more than the ''big names''' ref like Lane or Cortez. The only time I can remember him dropping the ball was in the Hopkins vs random Armenian dude (forgot his name) bout. The way he celebrated with Hopkins at the end, after being quite harsh to his opponent throughout the fight (though a lot of it was deserved to he honest as he was fighting quite dirty), was definitely a bad look.
He was a great referee. Loved how he always let the fights go on and not interfere. RIP to both ATG refs Smoger and Mills Lane.
" Sad to announce the passing of famed Atlantic City-based referee Steve Smoger at the age of 79 after a long illness. Smoger refereed over 200 world title fights and was considered one of the best third men to ever do it. He was known as a referee who gave a fighter every chance to win before stopping a fight."
Best example of Smogers ability.... 34:00 mark Remember he got hit on the head by the chair at Rahman vs Maskaev I?
Rest ease, Smoger. I think he and Lane might have been the two best ever. Neither perfect obviously, no ref ever has been, but as an overall package imo they were the two best to ever do it. I prefer both of them to Mercante. I prefer Steele to Mercante as well, despite his infamous Taylor-Chavez controversy.
I liked the way Smoger supported the fighters unlike anyone else. "...5, 6, 7... you can do it... 9" "you look beautiful baby" as he ruled a stoppage
Did it in the Savarese fight. Boxing Monthly, also RIP, and also one of the best, gave him a pass for that performance.
Smogers been tryna die for years..Grim Reaper was like 7,8, come on, hang in there, 8......9....get up!
Mills Lane. Smoger. Halpern. Eddie Cotton. Fucking Mickey "Paulie Walnuts" Vann is still alive though.
Yeah it's safe to say I liked Steve. He would wear his pants all the way up to his neck. Just like men are supposed to. None of that sagging shit . Great Ref RIP.
