Philip Adyaka – The Saint Paul, Minnesota super featherweight, active from 2008 to 2021, died March 27, 2026, at age 43. Advaka was born in Kampala, Uganda, on December 15, 1982, and compiled a record of 7 -16-0 (KO 4/KO by 10). Eight of his losses, including 7 by knockout, occurred in his last eight […]
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of former IBRO President John Grasso, who passed away on October 3, 2024. His contributions to the field have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered fondly by those who knew and respected his work. John Grasso June 6,
John Grasso June 6, 1943 – October 3, 2024 Read More »
Ebo Elder – The former junior-welterweight, active from 2000 to 2006, died on December 1, 2025, at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2024. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 23, 1978, and compiled a record of 22-3-0 (KO 14/KO by 3). Ebo started boxing at two when
Thomas M. Gerbasi 1968-2025 Thomas Michael Gerbasi, 57, of Staten Island, NY, formerly from Brooklyn, NY, sadly passed away on September 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones on his 31st wedding anniversary to his loving wife, Sonia Rodriguez Gerbasi. Tom was the beloved son of Susan Gerbasi and the late Thomas Gerbasi. A devoted husband,
RIP Thomas M. Gerbasi Read More »
Austin Killeen June 12, 1942 – May 15, 2025 ********* 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. Born on June 12, 1942, in Springfield, Mass., Austin was an educator, coach, and proud father. He was an accomplished
Rest in Peace Austin Killeen Read More »
Ernest Darick Brown of Zion, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the age of 67. Ernie “Big E” Brown died on December 12, 2023, at the age of 67. Ernie was born on April 8, 1956, in Pontiac, Michigan. Ernie retired from the United States Navy after twenty years of honorable service.
RIP Ernie “Big E” Brown Read More »
Dwaine Simpson January 26, 1935 – August 3, 2023 ********* IBRO’s Dwaine Simpson, who ran the Miami Dade County Parks amateur boxing program for 42 years, died August 3 at his Weston home after a brief illness. He was 89. Dwaine was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on January 26, 1934, and was an active
RIP Dwaine Simpson Read More »
Michael Hunnicutt passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2023, at the age of 68. Michael was a brilliant boxing analyst and historian. His expertise extended from the gloved era through 2004, specifically in Jack Dempsey, Harry Greb, Sam Langford, Joe Gans, Benny Leonard, Jack Johnson, and Mickey Walker. His research included an extensive study into
RIP Michael Hunnicutt Read More »
By Doug Cavanaugh (With comments by Dan Cuoco, DS Cogswell, and Mike Silver) I received word that the Final Bell rang for Chicago boxing historian J.J. Johnston last month. He passed away in his beloved Chicago on November 4 at age 89. J.J. had been in deteriorating health in the past couple of years and
The Final Bell Rang for Chicago Boxing Historian J.J. Johnston
on November 4, 2022 Read More »
