THE SMOGER CHRONICLES! VOL I, PART 2
Boxing Money?s Mike Schmidt had the opportunity recently to sit down with boxing?s most prolific referee, Steve Smoger, at the historic Intercontinental Hotel in Panama City, Panama. Mr. Smoger recently had the pleasure of refereeing a Knockout candidate of the year as Hekkie Budler K.O.?d Karluis Diaz in a WBA and IBO title fight in South Africa.
While in South Africa, Steve had the unplanned but gratefully satisfying moment to reacquaint with legendary South African Champion Dingaan Thobela. Dingaan ?The Rose of Soweto? Thobela defended his WBO Lightweight title on September 14, 1991 against Antonio Rivera in a classic confrontation. The fight, refereed by Mr. Smoger, took place at the Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa and was in dedication to Nelson Mandela. Very few people had the opportunity of meeting Mandela in 1991 as he had only been released, as a political prisoner of 27-years, in 1990. Mr. Smoger provides his superb memories of an electric atmosphere and a Champion who refuses to loose given the status and uniqueness of the event. Steve gives further antidotal note to the post-fight conference, apartheid, and meeting Nelson Mandela. A superb moment in boxing history!
