After more than three decades refereeing fights in the professional ranks, Kenny Bayless has decided to call it quits.
Bayless, 73, wrote in a Facebook post that he has retired as a referee in Nevada, where he resides and has long been registered to officiate pro fights.
Bayless, who was born in Berkeley, Calif., has officiated some of the most notable bouts in the past couple of decades, from the 2004 heavyweight bout between Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones Jr. to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao in 2015 to the first bout between Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez in 2017 to the heavyweight title rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in 2020.
Bayless noted in his post that he would still be refereeing exhibition matches and that he may look to take up a post with one of boxing’s four sanctioning bodies (IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA).
“I’m happy to announce that I am retiring as a referee from the state of Nevada,” Bayless wrote. “After more than 4 decades in the ring—32 as a professional referee and another decade in the amateur, I’m satisfied with my contribution to the sport of boxing and grateful for my accomplishments.
“Over the years I maintained good health so I plan to stay involved in the sport—maybe as a supervisor with one of the 4 major boxing organizations or even as a judge. You might even see me in the ring for an international exhibition or celebrity match. I’m open to whatever comes my direction. I have a couple of opportunities in the works at the moment.
“I want to thank God for watching over me and the fighters for these many years. I want to also thank my wife, my family and friends for their continued support , and all my boxing fans. Hope you enjoy the pictures of some of my memorable bouts! See you at the fights!”
Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.