Kenny Bayless Retires From The Sport Of Boxing – ‘I’m Satisfied’
Boxing referee Kenny Bayless has announced his retirement after more than three decades in the sport.
Bayless was first made a professional referee in 1991. His first fight would follow three years later. His career saw him officiate over 100 title fights, and he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.
The 73-year-old has overseen some of the biggest fights in the sport. These include Antonio Tarver vs Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao, Gennadiy Golovkin vs Canelo Alvarez and Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury. Bayless did confirm that he will still referee exhibition fights, but outside of that, he could take up a position with boxing’s four governing bodies: IBF, WBO, WBC, and WBA.
Bayless Retires
“I’m happy to announce that I am retiring as a referee from the state of Nevada. After more than 4 decades in the ring—32 as a professional referee and another decade in the amateur, I’m satisfied with my contribution to the sport of boxing and grateful for my accomplishments. Over the years I maintained good health so I plan to stay involved in the sport—maybe as a supervisor with one of the 4 major boxing organizations or even as a judge.
“You might even see me in the ring for an international exhibition or celebrity match. I’m open to whatever comes my direction. I want to thank God for watching over me and the fighters for these many years. I want to also thank my wife, my family and friends for their continued support , and all my boxing fans. Hope you enjoy the pictures of some of my memorable bouts! See you at the fights,” Bayless said
Bayless’ Controversy
Bayless has not always had the best of perception. He previously addressed the Floyd Mayweather Conor McGregor fight by stating that he was not interested in seeing the bout play out. This was because MMA and boxing were separate sports. Those comments played into the narrative that McGregor’s chances of winning were extremely low.
This ultimately played out as he was stopped in the tenth round. There were suggestions that Bayless could take the position of officiating this fight. In response, McGregor’s team made it clear that they would object to such an appointment. There was a perception that Bayless was not the best in allowing a fight to flow, as Mayweather was known for tying up his opponents. It was ultimately Robert Byrd who took charge. But Kenny’s comments about the fight raised a lot of talking points.
“I wouldn’t want to see it, because it is two different sports. UFC and boxing are two different sports. So what’s the point? Bayless
“Seriously? This is Kenny Bayless who works for the NSAC a potential ref for the fight. Sounds like he works for the crybaby Oscar De La Arum,” Dana White stated
Bayless’ passion of the sport is clear, and the age of 73, he is still going strong with his desire to make a contribution. ‘Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com’
