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What makes a boxing match truly worth watching? Is it the fighters with colossal fame? Or is it the high stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat? Well, it’s the perfect blend of both. But you know what really adds that extra spark to a fight? It’s the panel of judges and the referee who ensure everything stays on the up and up. So, you might want to start drafting a heartfelt apology to your friends and family because the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. showdown is one that will have you hooked for the whole night.

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Sure, the boxers bring their A-game, but it’s the referee tonight who will stir the pot and make this fight one for the ages. Who are we talking about? Any guesses?

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Boxing’s very own meme referee heading to Barclays

Just a few hours ago, Keith Idec, a writer for Ring Magazine, updated users on the internet, revealing the referee for the highly anticipated bout. The refereeing GOAT himself, Steve Willis, will be in charge. Among boxing aficionados, his name alone is enough to guarantee a fair fight, with the action, intensity, and drama that will undoubtedly set the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on fire. He is particularly known among the younger generation for his meme-worthy facial expressions during the middle of a bout. It’s shaping up to be a night filled with fireworks and mayhem—hilarious, yet diabolical in the best possible way.

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And as for the panel of judges? Well, for the showdown today, we’ve got Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), Eric Marlinski (New York), and Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey). With these experienced eyes in the arena, the stakes are high, and the decisions should be unquestionable.

Steve Willis: The Man Who Puts the ‘Fair’ in Fair Play

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You know, in a sport where every punch, every second, and every move counts, having a solid referee is crucial. But what makes Steve Willis stand out from the crowd? Most of you already know him well. But for those who don’t, you won’t believe how he got into refereeing.

It all started when he was just a waiter at a restaurant. One day, he overheard someone talking about a boxing referee who couldn’t make it to a local fight. So, on a whim, Steve volunteered to step in—even though he had zero experience. Talk about jumping in headfirst, right? But, as fate would have it, that moment sparked a career that would go on to leave a lasting mark on the sport.

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Now, here’s what sets Steve Willis apart. He’s not your average referee who’s all about blowing the whistle and counting. Steve gets it, and he feels it. He’s got this signature move where, during a clinch, he’ll gently pat the fighters on the back. And let’s not forget those hand signals and facial expressions that have practically become legendary in the boxing world. Fans love it—it adds a little dramatic flair to the whole thing.

Now, Steve’s career? He’s got a reputation for being consistent, and he brings the same level of professionalism, whether it’s a small-time match between two unranked boxers or the world’s biggest championship fight. He’s officiated some very important fights like the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter bout in 2016. He also called the shots during that unforgettable Terence Crawford vs. Felix Diaz fight for the WBC and WBO World Super Lightweight titles in 2017. Oh, and don’t forget about the Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter match in 2018 for the WBC World welterweight title. If you’ve watched any of these fights, you know just how important it is to have someone like Steve Willis ensuring everything runs smoothly.

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Sauramita Debbarma

1,244 Articles

Sauramita Debbarma is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the professional circuit and reporting from the ES Live Event Desk. A valedictorian graduate in English Literature, she brings a sharp narrative sensibility to tennis journalism, crafting layered stories around the sport’s biggest stages and most compelling competitors. Whether breaking down a high-stakes Grand Slam clash or spotlighting a rising talent making waves on tour, she writes with an eye for detail and context beyond the scoreline. Sauramita focuses on identifying tennis’s next breakout stars and tracking emerging players across major tournaments, bringing fresh perspective and depth to modern tennis coverage.

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Gokul Pillai

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