Austin Killeen has passed away

IceTea · 05-16-2025, 04:51 PM

Dan Cuoco asked me to post his message about Austin Killeen's passing.

Austin loved the Title Bout Boxing game and enjoyed the many tournaments and universes he created.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of our dear friend and fellow boxing historian, Austin Killeen. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his three children.

Austin had a long and diverse career in boxing, serving as a boxer, referee, judge, researcher, and writer. His love for the sport began in 1950, at the age of eight, when he watched the Joe Louis-Ezzard Charles title fight with his father, grandfather, uncles, and older cousins. Watching this fight on his parents' 12-inch black-and-white Admiral television ignited a lifelong passion for boxing.

At nineteen, Austin had one amateur fight and later participated in matches while stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. After his discharge, he became a sparring partner for light heavyweight contender Eddie “Redtop” Owens in Springfield, Massachusetts. When he moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to pursue a teaching career, he was allowed to turn professional at thirty-four.

When a fighter dropped out of a boxing card scheduled for March 12, 1977, in Fitchburg, promoter Sam Silverman—who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002—offered Austin the chance to fill in with only seven days' notice. Austin did not disappoint; he won his professional debut against Phil Hart by knockout in the first round.

Austin fought professionally over the next three years, gaining considerable publicity due to his age and unique background. He was ranked #7 in the New England middleweight ratings by Malcolm “Flash” Gordon in his publication, “Tonight’s Boxing Program.”

In 2005, Austin joined the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO). The following year, he began interviewing retired boxers for IBRO's quarterly magazine/journal. He loved writing about each fighter's experiences inside and outside the ring, which led to close friendships with many of the boxers he covered. In 2011, he started writing a weekly column focused on the boxing scene in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, playing a crucial role in revitalizing interest in the sport by covering all professional and New Mexico Golden Gloves tournaments.

In 2015, Austin was inducted into the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to boxing.

https://killeenskorner.com/

Cap · 05-17-2025, 03:25 PM

A credit to the IBRO and the boxing community.

Cap

05-16-2025, 04:51 PM	#1
IceTea Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sherrill, NY Posts: 9,821	Austin Killeen has passed away Dan Cuoco asked me to post his message about Austin Killeen's passing. Austin loved the Title Bout Boxing game and enjoyed the many tournaments and universes he created. It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of our dear friend and fellow boxing historian, Austin Killeen. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his three children. Austin had a long and diverse career in boxing, serving as a boxer, referee, judge, researcher, and writer. His love for the sport began in 1950, at the age of eight, when he watched the Joe Louis-Ezzard Charles title fight with his father, grandfather, uncles, and older cousins. Watching this fight on his parents' 12-inch black-and-white Admiral television ignited a lifelong passion for boxing. At nineteen, Austin had one amateur fight and later participated in matches while stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. After his discharge, he became a sparring partner for light heavyweight contender Eddie “Redtop” Owens in Springfield, Massachusetts. When he moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to pursue a teaching career, he was allowed to turn professional at thirty-four. When a fighter dropped out of a boxing card scheduled for March 12, 1977, in Fitchburg, promoter Sam Silverman—who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002—offered Austin the chance to fill in with only seven days' notice. Austin did not disappoint; he won his professional debut against Phil Hart by knockout in the first round. Austin fought professionally over the next three years, gaining considerable publicity due to his age and unique background. He was ranked #7 in the New England middleweight ratings by Malcolm “Flash” Gordon in his publication, “Tonight’s Boxing Program.” In 2005, Austin joined the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO). The following year, he began interviewing retired boxers for IBRO's quarterly magazine/journal. He loved writing about each fighter's experiences inside and outside the ring, which led to close friendships with many of the boxers he covered. In 2011, he started writing a weekly column focused on the boxing scene in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, playing a crucial role in revitalizing interest in the sport by covering all professional and New Mexico Golden Gloves tournaments. In 2015, Austin was inducted into the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to boxing. https://killeenskorner.com/ __________________ Don't worry, be happy! Women's Boxing Cyber Boxing Zone Philadelphia Boxing Boxrec Ross Boxing https://boxingjones.com/

05-17-2025, 03:25 PM	#2
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 7,897	A credit to the IBRO and the boxing community. Cap __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.."