Last week, our dear boxing colleague, Victor Babilonia, passed away. He was loved and respected, not only in the Metro LBC, but all over the country, in part due to his dedication to the sport of boxing. Victor was born and raised in the country of Colombia. He came to the United States as a professional boxer and fought many well-known boxers of his era such as Alfredo Escalera and Terence Ali. When his pro carreer came to an end, he decided to give back to the sport he dearly loved by becoming an amateur official. During his years as an official, Victor was recognized by his peers as an outstanding referee by receiving numerous awards at the PAL, Golden Gloves, Junior Olympics, and other national tournaments. Victor also mentored upcoming officials, helping them achieve the standard of excellence he himself had reached.
Please click HERE to have a comment posted in memory of Victor.
Eddie Claudio:
Victor was one of a kind and those that knew him very well know that another Victor Babilonia will be hard to come by. May he rest in peace...we all love you brother!
Joe Higgins:
I always admired how smooth Victor was at officiating. He carried himself with a quiet dignity that was an example to others as he left a tremendous impression on me. He never failed to greet you with a smile and a friendly gesture. I always felt with his presence that all would go well in the ring. What impressed me most was the way the athletes felt when he worked their bouts. My own athlete, Mike Brooks, was so shocked by his death that he felt obligated to pay tribute to Victor without
my influence. R.I.P. Victor, you were one of a kind.
Prakash D Tuladhar, ALBA Official Nepal:
I was so shocked when I opened my computer to check the Golden Glove tournament. I just arrived yesterday (12 march) from my country, Nepal, after participating in the WBC convention held in Manila I didn’t drive, so Victor and Cristina tooked me to boxing shows and tournaments.
I would like to say on behalf of my country Nepal, too, we always will remember him as a boxing official hero.
Frank Burchette, Metro Vice President:
Victor Babilonia spent endless hours conseling me as to how to become a better coach coaching my athletes in this game of boxing. His infinite wisdom has served me well and as far as I'm concerned he lives on in me. You are with both Schavez Peters and myself at each and every bout as well as the athletes that will follow. Thanks for your friendship and pat of encouragement on the back that helped me to persevere.
Robert d'Angelo:
I was given a eight count when I read of his passing. I realy enjoyed working with Victor. He was the kind of person that you wanted to be with, in and out of boxing. Yes, I will miss seeing/talking with him. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace with the LORD. May we meet again.
Jim Kinney, NJ LBC:
My sincerest condolences to Victor's family and the NY Metro LBC. I am sorry we lost such a great official and friend. I watched Victor as a new official and learned "how to do it right". He did possess a special quality in the ring. For that I am grateful to have had a chance to get to know him. God Bless, Jim Kinney NJ LBC
Andy Edell and Gail Prestia:
We loved Victor so very much. He was an excellent official and friend. We will miss him dearly. We always looked forward to seeing the other couple like us to work the shows. God bless always.
Ricky Gonzalez:
I always cherished the friendship we had. He gave me lots of advise and was truly a master at what he did in the ring. His elegance and knowledge in the ring will surely be missed. However, he will never be forgoten. God Bless you Victor.
Robin P. Taylor, USA Boxing Metro Co-Chief of Officials:
Victor Babilonia was part of our USABOXING Metro family. He will be truly missed by us all. Victor will live on in the kindness he showed, the joy he shared and the love he brought into our lives. May GOD comfort us with memories of him.
Sara Hatfield:
Victor will always have a special place in my heart. He refereed my last fight, and I always enjoyed saying hi to him at Gleason's. He was a prince among men and will be missed by so many.
Sherif Younan and Sugar Boy:
Victor, or Babilonia like I used to call him, was one of the nicest people that I ever knew. He was passionate about boxing and life itself. A great father and a great teacher, he taught me a lot since he was my trainer for four years. My son, Sugar Boy, was still a baby and used to come with me to the gym. He told me he would one day be a champion. He watched him grow and smiled when he said - I told you, look at him now.....
we will miss him a lot, we love you Babilonia.
Felipe Gomez - New Legend Boxing, Inc.:
My condolences goes out to his family. USA Boxing Metro has lost a very special person. He proved to be one of a kind official. He was a good mentor to everyone. He was fair and always cared for his boxers in the ring. He will be missed!!!
Carlos Ortiz:
Victor was a true gentleman.He was always a person you could count on for almost anything,especially if it had to do with boxing.Victor's love for boxing was exemplified in the manner inwhich conducted himself as an official of USA boxing.Victor you will always be missed. You have left avoid in all of our lives. May God be with you always.
Steve Willis:
One of the best technical referee's in the world, a fun guy on the road
his total smooth classic gentleman's style in the ring made us all
smile & watch Babbie.. I will miss our conversations in his broken
English & my bad Spanish lol with out missing a point..Victor Babilonia you
will not be forgotten.