The boxing world is mourning the death of old-school publicist Bill Caplan, a husband, father of five, grandfather of ten and a member of four hall of fames. Boxingtalk joins the chorus of the many who are sending their deepest sympathies to Caplan's friends and family. Here are just some of the tributes to him that have been pouring in over social media:

 

Boxing sportscaster Rich Marotta: "My friend, boxing publicist and hilarious story-teller Bill Caplan has passed away. Bill would kiss my bald head every time he saw me and always introduced me as the World's tallest Sicilian. Loved to sit with him in press room of big fights. Always knew I was in for laughs... [He was] one of boxing's real characters. [I've] known Bill more than 40 years, full of great stories, always good for laughs. Best friend of late famed sportswriter Alan Malamud, close pal and confidante of George Foreman. Will miss him."

 

Boxer-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita: "Incredibly saddened by the passing of Bill Caplan — a Hall of Fame publicist and, more importantly, a real friend. A truly warm and generous person, he showed me great care from my pro debut through his final days. He will be greatly missed. He lived a remarkable life... An incredible human being and an exceptional professional. He showed me so much love and care from my early days as a 19-year-old fighting under the bright lights of Las Vegas. With Mr. Bill Caplan in my corner, I always felt secure and protected. A truly great man."

 

Promoter Lou DiBella: "Rest in peace, Bill. My condolences to all of Bill's family, good people and friends of many years. Uncle Bill Caplan was an old school sports publicist, the kind that aren't around anymore. He was a storyteller, and a historian, a loving father and grandfather, and a friend to so many in boxing and throughout sports, including me. [He had a] hall of fame career and life... [the] kinda guy I'm grateful to have known well."

 

Journalist Dan Rafael: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Uncle Bill Caplan, the Hall of Fame publicist. We shared countless good times together over the past 25+ years. Condolences to his wonderful family and his many boxing friends."

 

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman: "I can’t believe the news about Bill Caplan passing away. Uncle Bill, my dearest friend, took me to Disneyland when I was 8 years old and had always been so close to me. God bless him forever and for eternity and to the family and so many friends worldwide, my sympathy and prayers."

 

Journalist Norm Frauenheim: "He was a publicist. But he was so much more. He was an Uncle with a gentle smile. He was a story teller, re-telling them to a writer under deadline with no time to listen. There was comfort in the stories. I wish I could hear one now from a friend like no other. RIP, Bill Caplan."