One morning in September 1987, long-time ABC commentator Alex Wallau began his day as usual. While washing his face, he noticed a small lump in his neck — something he’d never felt before. A week later, doctors delivered the shocking news: he had throat cancer. The lump had caused no pain or discomfort, allowing the disease to advance silently to Stage 4, spreading to his tongue before it was discovered.

After enduring surgeries and rounds of radiation that left him physically isolated from his wife, former ring announcer Alex Wallau made a remarkable return to work in April 1988. Alongside Al Michaels, he called the 15-round bout between Rocky Lockridge and Harold Knight. Now, 37 years and six months after that night, Wallau’s wife, Martha, has announced his passing at the age of 80, from the same throat cancer he had bravely fought and overcome in 1987.

Alex Wallau had a life worth living

His life began as one of seven siblings, who was born on January 11, 1945, in Manhattan. He spent his early years in Connecticut before graduating from Williams College in Massachusetts. Soon after, he began his career as a sportswriter and editor while also serving as a public relations consultant for several political campaigns.

His long association with ABC began in 1976, when he joined the network as a producer and director. Wallau was responsible for everything related to the fights that aired on ABC Sports — a role that helped shape the network’s boxing legacy. He later transitioned to the commentary desk as an on-air boxing analyst in ABC’s two-man broadcast setup.

During that time, Wallau worked alongside Jim Lampley, who would go on to call fights for more than three decades on HBO. Lampley often credited Wallau with guiding his early career, saying his mentorship played a key role in his eventual induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. Wallau worked as a boxing analyst with ABC until its last broadcast in June 2000.

He was then appointed president of the ABC Television Network on June 26, 2000, succeeding Patricia Fili-Krushel, who had resigned in March of that year. Alex Wallau continued in the same role until his retirement in 2006. News of Wallau’s passing was first shared by Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler, who paid tribute to the legendary broadcaster on X. 

“Boxing lost a courageous man with [the] passing of former commentator Alex Wallau, dear friend of many in the business,” Trampler wrote on X. “Alex faced death threats after exposing crooked Don King tournament, was the brain behind Howard Cosell, and later president of ABC TV for Bob Iger.  Should be HOF.”

Trampler was joined by boxing insider Rick Glasser, who wrote, “Alex Wallau has passed away at age 80, former ABC President, & long associated with Boxing on ABC back in the day, including as an excellent announcer. R.I.P. Alex Wallau.” From there, the entire boxing world started coming together to pay their respects to one of the greatest names in boxing history. 

Teddy Atlas joins boxing fans in tribute

Despite ending his career over a decade ago, Wallau was known far and wide. Yet no one expected to hear about the unfortunate news. Renowned trainer and an analyst himself, Teddy Atlas shared a final message for Wallau. “Alex Wallau was a Boxing expert as a Commentator & Television Executive, & a fighter who survived Cancer, & lived as a Gentleman. R.I.P.,” he wrote on X. He not only survived it, but he came back to work stronger. 

Another user recollected what they remembered about Wallau. “Classy, smart, articulate, humble to athletes, lifted up the sport when involved,” the user wrote. Perhaps that’s why he has so many well-wishers. 

Someone else felt Wallau’s work was always underrated. “One of the very best and most underrated boxing announcers,” the user wrote. However, it’s well known that he was behind shaping ABC’s position in boxing. 

The next user remembered having a conversation with Wallau. “RIP Alex Wallau – spoke to him about [a] year ago about Flash Gordon and the Don King-ABC scandal … he was a legend in boxing and should be in the Hall of Fame. My thoughts are with his family,” NewsdayTV’s Bobby Cassidy. Alex Wallau helped expose fraud in Don King’s U.S. Boxing Championships tournament, including manipulated fighter rankings and records influenced by King’s ties to Ring Magazine editors. This led to ABC canceling the event amid congressional scrutiny, with Wallau receiving death threats for his role.

This user quickly named Wallau the best there was. “Alex Wallau, [in my opinion], would have been the best boxing commentator in the golden era of boxing if he [hadn’t faced] extraordinary health challenges, which he courageously fought through. No political BS like others, just put boxing, he was as good as there was. My prayers to his family,” the user commented. Wallau was often described as someone who rarely held back his opinion on boxing matters.

That being said, it’s clear as day that Alex Wallau was a vital member of the boxing community. His loss will be felt far and wide in the world, especially for those who remember the golden age of boxing. But what about you? Do you have any parting words for the legend behind the mic?