August 22, 2000
I knew Mitch almost all my life. He grew up around the corner from our family - and I knew him since since i was about 7-8 and he was about 4-5. he and my bro were great friends and i knew him, too. we would hang out with his family and i can recall a ton of great moments with him. there is some debate about what really happened and if he really killed himself - but the official cause of death is suicide - so................. at his Funeral in So Cal it was unreal. Richard Steele was there and i got to talk to him for a few minutes. he is missed:
http://www.gamemasteronline.com/Boxing/Renald-BoxingLosesTheBest.shtml
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Boxing loses the Best
[size=+1]by Rick Renald[/size][/size]
[size=+1]N[/size]othing is more tragic than death except for the suffering it leaves with the family and friends of the decease. First and foremost my thoughts and prayers go out to Family and close Friends of Referee Mitch Halpern. When Mitch Halpern lost his life a week ago last Sunday, Boxing lost a living Legend. At 33 years of age, Mitch was well on his way to being the greatest. Some will argue he was the best, and many will agree. I am one of them.
[size=+1]A[/size]lthough Mitch is gone his legacy will remain. Many fans are shocked and angered by Mitch taking his life. Although I am shocked, I am not angry. I can't say I am pleased with the amount of boxing writers that made their articles on Mitch Halpern to be tabloid crap. As they write, they break your heart. I won't sit here and judge Mitch's final moments. I won't praise his decision to end his life, but that doesn't mean I won't praise the person. I won't sit here and speculate as to why Mitch is not with us no longer, as it is none of my business, or yours. What is our business is the work Mitch did for us in the ring. Who can argue the professionalism and integrity Mitch brought to each assignment? Who can argue he wasn't at the top of his game?
[size=+1]N[/size]one of us can.
[size=+1]M[/size]itch Halpern started learning the trade in1991 under the tutelage of Richard Steele. It wasn't long before Richard realized that Mitch would be the best. Richard taught Mitch everything he knew, and Mitch absorbed it all to well. They sparred, and Mitch learned what a fighter goes through. Mitch was eager and his short career proved to be a very impressive resume of 87 championship fights.
[size=+1]I[/size] have always enjoyed Richard Steele's work in the ring, so it was no surprise to me how quickly I became fond of Mitch Halpern's work Fans can be critical, but true Boxing fans will cheer extra loud for Richard Steele from now on. You have to cheer because the memories we have of Mitch are great ones.
[size=+1]T[/size]his Boxing writer/fan who will always cheer extra loud for Richard Steele, will sorely miss Mitch Halpern. Surely, you will too.
