Los Angeles, CA – After a distinguished 26-year career as a revered figure in the boxing ring, Jack Reiss has decided to hang up his referee gloves but is not stepping out of the spotlight just yet. As he approaches his 69th birthday in April, Reiss is transitioning to a new role within the sport that has been central to his identity for decades, aiming to continue as a judge while embracing the broader mission of serving as an ambassador for boxing.
Reiss, a Brooklyn native, grew up in a family deeply connected to boxing, yet his journey into the sport was anything but straightforward. His early aspirations to train at the notorious Gleason’s Gym were vetoed by his mother due to safety concerns, which led him to martial arts, where he first tested his mettle in combat sports. Though an injury thwarted his kickboxing ambitions, it set Reiss on a path that would eventually lead him back to boxing.
Before entering the world of boxing, Reiss dedicated 31 years to the Los Angeles Fire Department, retiring as a captain. The rigor and camaraderie of the fire service played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to boxing, imbuing him with a focus on teamwork, improvement, and mentorship. These values translated seamlessly into his subsequent career, where he became known not just for his impartiality in the ring but also for his efforts to guide and educate upcoming referees and judges.
Jack Reiss’s involvement in boxing spans officiating over 1,152 fights, a testament to his longevity and expertise. His visibility peaked during high-profile bouts, including the notable first fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, where his skills as a referee were on full display.
Discussing his decision to retire from refereeing, Reiss shared his perspective on knowing when to step aside, emphasizing the importance of leaving at the top of one’s game rather than fading away. “Being a referee was more than a job; it was a calling,” Reiss said. He expressed a heartfelt desire to preserve his health and memories of the sport he loves, rather than overstaying his welcome.
Reiss’s commitment extends beyond the physical confines of the ring. He has been instrumental in developing a professional development conference for officials, known as the Sole Arbiter conference, which convenes yearly to foster excellence and ethical practices in boxing officiating.
As he transitions into his new role as a judge and continues to impact the sport through educational seminars, Reiss remains focused on the nuanced differences between refereeing and judging. “Judging requires intense concentration and an acute understanding of what to look for in each bout, but it lacks the physical demands of refereeing,” he explained, suggesting that this shift will allow him to maintain his connection to boxing while adapting to the evolving demands of his life.
Reiss also cherishes the educational aspect of his career, often discussing officiating scenarios at seminars for sanctioning bodies such as the IBF, WBC, and WBO. His approach is always about improvement and adaptability, teaching that being a good official is about more than just following the rules; it’s about understanding the spirit of the sport.
Ultimately, Jack Reiss hopes to leave a lasting impact on boxing, not only through his in-ring achievements but also through his enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of boxing officials. As he reflects on his career and looks forward to his future contributions, Reiss takes pride in his dual legacies of fairness in the ring and generosity in sharing his knowledge.
Every day brings new requests for advice from referees, a testament to his respected status in the boxing community. Reiss embraces this role enthusiastically, always eager to light the way for others without dimming his own accomplishments. “Helping others doesn’t diminish your success,” he often says, a belief that continues to guide his actions as he shapes the future of boxing one decision at a time.
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