NJ Boxing HOF

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.

Boxer Hall of Famer lists by name: A-C D-F G-L M-P Q-T U-Z

Main page