Colorado Coach and Boxing Official Honored
“Coaching is not all about championships and accolades; it’s about being an inspiration and motivator and giving your all to your boxers.”– 2024 National Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Stephen Blea (veteran boxing coach and ring official)
Longtime boxing coach, referee and judge Stephen Blea will be inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) this Sunday, April 28 in Los Angeles, California. The Denver, Colorado boxing official has dedicated years in the sport and is one of the true unsung heroes in boxing. He has spent almost six decades involved in the sweet science, and remarkably, has volunteered 40 years of his time training young amateurs in the ring!
Stephen is truly dedicated to helping and mentoring up-and-coming young boxers and shaping their lives for the betterment. His newest accolade into the NBHOF is certainly a well-deserved one. Ask around in boxing circles, and the consensus is that Coach Blea is one of the most well-liked, humble and selfless individuals there is. Boxing is one of the toughest sports but Stephen takes the time to make training go smoother for the youngsters, teens and young adults that he works with. And in a landscape of “every man for themselves,” he stands out because he wants others to shine. And he really puts in the effort to make a difference in those who need it the most.
I had a chance to catch up with the new Hall of Famer and offer my heartfelt congratulations on his upcoming honor taking place in the Crystal Ballroom at the Quiet Cannon. The awards banquet is sold out and the room will be packed with some of boxing’s best in the biz. Stephen will share the stage with superstars and champs such as Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera, Micky Ward, and more, along with his fellow peers and boxing family. And when it’s his time to take the microphone, I have no doubt, Stephen will speak from the heart.
For now, hear what the coach, World Boxing Council (WBC) official and WBC Cares Ambassador has to say about his extensive experience in and out of the boxing ring, his bittersweet inspiration and why he gives back, and his impressive list of Olympians he has trained with around the world!
Michele Chong: Hi Stephen! Congrats on your upcoming induction into the National Boxing Hall of Fame. What were your first thoughts when receiving the news?
Stephen Blea: Thank you, Michele! I was definitely in shock when I heard the news, that’s for sure.
MC: Tell me about your early days in boxing. How did you get your start in the sport?
SB: I have 56 years in the sport of boxing as a former State and Regional Amateur Boxing Champion since age 10 when I laced a pair of gloves on. I first fell in love with the sport when Clay fought Liston in 1964. I was only six then and was amazed at how he could move so smoothly and have fast hands; as they say, I was hooked.
MC: You spent many years working in both amateur and pro boxing?
SB: I have been a volunteer boxing coach for over 40 years, specializing in USA Boxing Amateur’s program. I am a Bronze and Silver Certified Coach and have trained several current Marines, soldiers, firefighters, police officers, teachers, and lawyers. I have helped many individuals win State and Regional and National Team Titles. In the past, I was Head Coach of the Denver Police Brotherhood Youth, and I have been a volunteer for over 20 years.
During my coaching career, I have trained 28 National Champions and represented two USA Boxing International Boxing Teams. One of my students, Terri Cruz, became a two-division champion and a female world boxing champion. My contribution to the sport was recognized when I was inducted into the Women’s International Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Hall of Fame in 2015.
I have been a volunteer Amateur Boxing Official for more than 30 years. As a former Referee/Judge of AIBA, I have supervised over 42 National USA Boxing Tournaments and two Olympic Trials. I have also been working as a Pro Boxing Official for over 30 years, with more than 600 occasions as a Referee and more than 200 as a Judge, according to BoxRec.com. Additionally, I have officiated over 70 World Title Fights as a Referee and Judge and have traveled to more than 20 countries. Currently, I have been working for the State of Colorado for over 30 years as a Pro Referee and Judge.
MC: Congrats on such an incredible career and working in the ring as a professional referee/official through the years.
SB: Yes, I have been actively involved in the WBC and NABF as a Referee and Judge for over 20 years now. I don’t have any plans to leave anytime soon. I am grateful to Lifetime President Jose Sulaiman and the WBC Board who gave me the opportunity to join in 2003.
MC: You were very close to the World Boxing Council (WBC) President, Don Jose Sulaiman and you are still a big part of the organization.
SB: I am filled with gratitude towards Lifetime President Jose Sulaiman and the WBC Board for opening the doors for me back in 2003. Were it not for their support, I would not be where I am today. I truly love and appreciate the Sulaiman family from the bottom of my heart.
For the past 20 years, I have served as a WBC Cares Ambassador alongside my partner Raylene. Together, we have organized events for cancer victims and their families, as well as local boxing gyms. For the past 10 years, we have also partnered with Raul Utajara in Colorado to continue our work with WBC Cares.
MC: Describe what you love about Colorado boxing and the local scene?
SB: It provides me with the chance to connect with young boxers and make them aware of their significance, just like the 12-round champion. When I step into the ring with them, I always do my best to treat them with respect for their bravery in stepping into the ring.
MC: You work a lot to inspire and help the youth and future champs. What keeps you motivated to reach out to others?
SB: I am a Coach who is hitting the 40-year mark in 2023. Recently, I had some doubts about my abilities. However, after reading a post by my current boxer, Zeke, and visiting the Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico, I had a flashback about what coaching truly meant to me. Coaching is not all about championships and accolades; it’s about being an inspiration and motivator and giving your all to your boxers. Life lessons are learned in the ring and training, especially pushing forward despite all the obstacles that can be thrown at you mentally and physically. Winning is great, but losing is also a learning experience. If you can overcome these challenges, any hardship put before you in life can be dealt with, and you can come out stronger mentally and physically, knowing that you trained and put in that work as a champion and didn’t quit despite the odds.
MC: I know you’ve spoken about the heartbreaking and tragic loss of both your dear brother and your beloved grandson. Are they your inspiration in giving back to others through the years?
SB: The most heartbreaking and tragic losses of both my brother and grandson really changed how I viewed the world and the people in it. Sadly, both my brother Alfred and grandson Damillion passed away when they were only 17 years old. My brother passed away in a car accident that we were involved in, and he had the kindest heart and was always generous. He always looked up to me as his big brother. Ten minutes before the accident, we switched seats, and God took his angel and left me to be his light of being kind and caring. It took me a while to figure it out, but boxing was the key. My grandson Damillion was born on my birthday, and he wanted to be a champion like me. Five months before he died by suicide, I gave him my boxing gloves. Since then, I have decided not to retire as an amateur boxing coach. If I can inspire more young boxers with boxing and keep their minds occupied with positive thoughts, God willing, I can save some more lives.
MC: And come Sunday, what are you looking forward to the most about your NBHOF induction? This will be your first time attending the gala in person?
SB: Regarding my induction into the NBHOF, I am looking forward to seeing some of these amazing champions involved in our sport in one way or another. It’s funny because, at one time or another, I have been blessed to work with many of my fellow inductees, either the amateurs or the pros. This will be my first time attending the gala in person.
MC: You’re going to have a great time! One more question I’d like to ask you (because I remember seeing some great pics of you with the Olympic teams) is how you’ve been involved in Olympic Boxing through the years? You’ve seen a lot of fighters become pro boxers and world champs. Which fighters made an impression on you?
SB: I have been involved in ten Olympics throughout my career as an amateur boxer and former AIBA Referee/Judge. Let’s start with 1984: my favorite and first gold medalist, Pernell Whitaker, who went on to become a multi-world champion. I was in camp with him at the O.T.C. in ’82, and after getting in the ring with him, I realized what an elite boxer was. This experience led me to start my coaching career and later, my official’s career. Unfortunately, Evander Holyfield was robbed of the gold medal due to a DQ, but he later became a multi-world champion.
In ’88, Roy Jones Jr. (Silver) entered as an underdog but won the National Golden Gloves and competed through the backdoor. Michael Carbajal (Silver) became a world champion. Andrew Maynard (Gold) never made it as a pro, his career was rushed.
In ’92, Tim Austin (Bronze) became a world champion. Oscar DeLa Hoya (Gold) won multiple world titles and has always been my favorite since his Blue & Gold days. Chris Byrd (Silver) became a world heavyweight champion. Stevie Johnston won Pan Am Gold and was a 2-time world champ.
In ’96, David Reid (Gold) became a world champ. Antonio Tarver (Bronze) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Bronze) both went on to become multi-world champs. Fernando Vargas (No Medal) also became a world champ.
In 2000, Marshall Martinez was on the team but was kicked off prior to the Olympics (an awesome talent went to waste). Jermain Taylor (Bronze) went on to become a world champ.
In 2004, Andre Ward won a gold medal and became a world champion, while Andre Dirrell won a bronze medal and also became a world champion. Raushee Warren, who competed in three Olympics, also became a world champion, as did Vanes Martirosyan, who did not receive a medal at the Olympics.
In 2008, Deontay Wilder won a bronze medal at the Olympics before becoming a world champion.
In 2012, Claressa Shields won a gold medal and went on to win multiple world titles. Marlen Esparza won a bronze medal and became a world champion, while Jamel Herring, Jose Ramirez, and Errol Spence, who did not receive medals at the Olympics, all became world champions.
In 2016, Claressa Shields won another gold medal and continued to win multiple world titles. Mikaela Mayer, who did not receive a medal at the Olympics, became a world champion, while Shakur Stevenson won a silver medal and also became a world champion.
In 2020, Richard Torrez Jr. and Duke Ragan won silver medals.
Additionally, there were many other boxers who I saw at the US Nationals and box-offs or trained with who went on to become world champions, such as Joey Gamache, Paulie Malignaggi, Vernon Forrest, Montell Griffin, Raul Marquez, and Shane Mosley.
MC: And kudos also to your partner Raylene as I know she is super supportive in all you do in the sport.
SB: I have been blessed to have Raylene Carbone as my partner for the past 17 years. We have six children named Nicole, Tyrone, Al, Gina Mercado, Angela Casamento, and Dominic Mendez (who has passed away), as well as five stepchildren named Serafin, Zac, Roman, Kali, and Tarryn. Ten of our 11 children are college graduates. We also have 24 grandchildren and five great-grandsons. Raylene has been instrumental in helping many of my boxers get through high school and earn college degrees.
MC: Congrats again, Stephen, on your upcoming award. You are a truly dedicated member in the sport!
SB: I would like to dedicate my award to my WBC, NABF, Colorado Commission families, and all the boxers I have worked with. I would also like to thank my children and grandchildren for sharing me with the boxing community all these years, and of course, my Raylene.
Congratulations again to Stephen Blea. A well-deserved worthy honor for a man who has given so much in the fight game.
Stephen Blea Presents Jose Sulaiman Award:
Photos courtesy of Stephen Blea