It has been only a few days, and boxing is still coming to terms with the terrible loss of Ricky Hatton, the former world champion and one of Great Britain’s biggest sporting icons. Now, another piece of heartbreaking news has struck, leaving the combat sports world struggling for words. Legendary boxing writer and UFC editorial director Thomas Gerbasi has passed away. The New York native, whose work appeared on BoxingScene, The Ring, ESPN, and many other outlets, was 57 years old when he died Tuesday night.

His career in writing brought countless stories to life and inspired many writers, several of whom now lead major publications. Tributes poured in as the combat sports community accepted the painful truth that Tom Gerbasi is no longer with us. While his words touched everyone, many recalled his friendly, down-to-earth nature and his constant willingness to help others.

Tom Gerbasi – The pen that touched everyone

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Frankie Edgar, who remembered how Thomas Gerbasi wished him well before his move into bare-knuckle fighting. The UFC’s former lightweight champion began, “RIP to one of the best combat sports writers that I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with, Tom Gerbasi.” Reflecting on Gerbasi’s character, Edgar added, “Tom was such a class act, and I always looked forward to our chats together before my fights. He recently reached out to wish me well for my bare-knuckle fight, cause that’s who he was.”

Mourning Gerbasi’s passing, Aaron Bronsteter wrote, “Every UFC fighter has a story to tell and nobody has told more of them than Tom, who would give the same care and attention to their journeys whether they were headlining or opening a card. RIP to a gifted storyteller and a gentleman.”

Meanwhile, veteran UFC announcer Bruce Buffer was left speechless by the news. “Very sad to hear about my longtime friend & co-worker Tom Gerbasi passing away. He was a fine man & journalist beloved by all his friends & co-workers in the world of sports, boxing, MMA & the UFC 🙏 May he RIP🙏”

The boxing world, where Gerbasi’s contributions were just as significant, also grieved. Noted writer Kevin Iole expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his longtime friend. “There was no one like him,” the retired sports journalist stated.

Like Iole, Tom Gerbasi received the prestigious Nat Fleischer Award. He earned the honor in 2024 for excellence in boxing journalism from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

A life between ring and cage

Most remembered him for his humor and kindness. A longtime contributor to Ring Magazine, Gerbasi, a graduate of St. John’s University, made his writing debut at HouseofBoxing.com before moving to MaxBoxing.com, which he part-owned.

Thomas Gerbasi was more than a respected journalist. He mentored young writers. He strengthened the boxing writing community and earned high recognition for his work. As chairman of the BWAA membership committee, he oversaw new applicants, shaped the organization, and set standards for the profession. Along the way, he won many BWAA awards for his exceptional writing.

Promoter Lou DiBella, who revealed he spoke with Gerbasi last Saturday, offered his own tribute. “He was a talent, a total professional, a funny, kind, and honest guy, a great husband, father, and grandfather. There is not a negative word I can say, or have heard said, about Tom Gerbasi.”

If that wasn’t enough to convey his influence, UFC’s tribute to the veteran journalist summed it up pretty well: “No one cared about the men and women that compete in the UFC—or the boxing ring—more than Thomas Gerbasi.”

Just weeks ago, on September 9, Gerbasi’s book Boxing: The 100 Greatest Fighters was released.

Tom Gerbasi leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Sonia Rodriguez-Gerbasi. The couple shared a daughter, Jordan Gerbasi-Fanticola, and cherished their two granddaughters.

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