Steve Smoger Obituary

Steve Smoger was an American boxing referee from Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Steve Smoger died of a “undisclosed illness” at age 72 on December 19, 2022.

Smoger attended Atlantic City High School. He went to Penn State University and the George Washington University Law School.

From 2002 to 2005, Smoger held the position of City Solicitor of the City of Atlantic. He began practicing law in private in 2005.

Smoger served in the New Jersey Air National Guard as well as the United States Air Force Reserve. He rose to the rank of colonel while serving as a Staff Judge Advocate. After 30 years of service, he retired.

Smoger was first licensed as a professional boxing referee on September 23, 1982 in New Jersey by then-Commissioner Jersey Joe Walcott.

During his 34-year career, Smoger officiated over 1000 professional fights, including over 200 title fights.

Smoger was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2001, he was designated the World’s Best Professional Boxing Referee by The Ring magazine.

In 2013 he was recognized by the International Boxing Association as the Referee of the Year.  Smoger is also a member of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2013, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2014.