TOM KACZMAREK
Tom Kaczmarek was born on Elizabeth, New Jersey on Aigust 10, 1928. He entered the amatuer ranks in
January, 1947 as a featherweight. He went 8-1 as an amatuer before turning pro in July 1947. He was
trained by Joe Harris, managed by Angelo Pucci. His toughest fights were against Freddie Montforte
and Johnny "Red" DeFazio. He reversed 2 losses to Montforte when they fought for the 3rd time. He
lost a 6 round decision to DeFazio in Jersey City and retired in 1949 at the age of 20 after 19
bouts (11-5-3).
Ring Experience opened the doors for a career as an International Boxing Judge taking him around the
world from England, France, Italy and Spain to Thailand and Korea in the Orient,and "down under" in
Australia. As of 19994, he has judged over 1500 pro bouts, 78 Championship bouts, of which over 40
were World and International title bouts and the remainder Regional Championships. The World title
bouts include, Ray Leonard against Hearns; Roberto Duran against Iran Barkley; Evander Holyfield
against George Foreman; James Toney against Mike McCallum; Jeff Fenech against Azumah Nelson; Terry
Norris against Simon Brown on February 20, 1993. He also judged 2 World title bouts at Azteca
Stadium in Mexico City. When he judged the bouts between Azumah Nelson against Gabriel Ruelas and
Terry Norris against Maurice Blocker, the attendance of over 136,000 fans shattered all previous
records and set a new all time high for a live gate at a fight show.
Presently, Tom is the Vice-Chairman of the Ring Officals Committe of the World Boxing Council and in
1992, he traveled to Tunisia to conduct a training seminar for WBC judges from Africa and Europe. He
has also conducted seminars for judges for the New Jersey and Connecticut State Athletic
Commissions.
In life outside the fight game, he spent 27 years in the retail shoe business. He has served as the
Mayor of Clark, New Jersey (1969-1972) and was a Union County Freeholder (1972-1974). During his
tenure as Mayor, he sponsored amatuer boxing shows to raise money for the local youth activities. In
1974, he was appointed by then Governor Brendan Byrne as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Violent
Crimes Compensation Board and served for over 17 years.
Now retired, he devotes full time to family and boxing. He is married to Aganes for over 40 years,
as of 1994. They have 3 children, Nancy Budris, Tom Jr., and Mary Jean Coviello. They also have 4
grandchildren, Kelly, Christie, Corinne Budris and Janine Coviello.
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