Veteran boxing writer Ron Borges shared the sad news on social media that Michael Katz, a Hall of Fame boxing journalist, has died: "One of the best boxer writers who ever lived passed away Monday when Michael Katz died at the age of 85. Like most who knew him for any period of time (a minute could be enough in some cases) I had my ups and downs with him but we traveled the world together for nearly 50 years and I long admired his talent, his willingness to stand up for fighters and to call out the b.s. of boxing and its promoters and broadcast entities who worked diligently to try and destroy a noble sport. He wasn’t always right and he could be petulant, obstreperous and sometimes cruel and mean but he had things that r really missing in much of what passes for boxing writing today. He had guts for one. Mike was brave, smart and understood fighters and the fighting mentality better than nearly everyone I ever met. He fiercely loved his wife and his daughter Moorea and sadly lost them both to the hateful disease of cancer. He was never quite the same after that and who would be? But one thing he never lost was his love for boxers and boxing. There was also never a more entertaining dinner partner than zMike, who was erudite, funny and well traveled. And who could tell a story better than him? No one. Rest in peace Mike. You were a hell of a fight writer."
Another veteran writer, Kevin Iole, added, "Katz was an extraordinary writer whose style helped his readers know the boxers better. He was erudite and witty, but he understood fighters at a base level and earned their trust. He humanized them in his work and often spotlighted their skill and their courage. He was also highly opinionated and took strong positions, and wasn't afraid to take on the most powerful people in the sport. He made more than his share of enemies, but his readers were ultimately the winners as he provided insights that few others could."
Boxingtalk salutes Hall of Famer Michael Katz and sends its sympathies to Katz's friends and family.
