The boxing world has lost a true legend. Alex Wallau, the voice of boxing for ABC during the sport's golden era, has passed away at the age of 80. His insightful commentary and unwavering passion for the sport made him a beloved figure for decades. But his story is about much more than just boxing; it's a testament to resilience and courage.
Wallau's wife, Martha, announced his passing, attributing it to throat cancer, a battle he fought bravely since his initial diagnosis in 1987. The disease, which later spread to his tongue, didn't stop him. He returned to the airwaves in 1988, just six months after undergoing multiple surgeries, to call the IBF junior lightweight title fight between Rocky Lockridge and Harold Knight. This act alone speaks volumes about his dedication and fighting spirit.
Born on January 11, 1945, in Manhattan, Wallau's life was rich and varied. He was one of seven children, grew up in Connecticut, and graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts. He began his career as a sports writer, editor, and public relations consultant, even working on political campaigns. He joined ABC in 1976 as a producer and director before becoming the on-air boxing analyst in a newly designed, two-man broadcast setup. Before stepping into the commentary role, Wallau was responsible for selecting, negotiating, and purchasing the fights that aired on ABC Sports.
But here's where it gets controversial... Wallau wasn't afraid to speak his mind, which sometimes put him at odds with fighters and promoters. He once stated that he felt most at risk after criticizing Don King's controversial 1977 United States Boxing Championships Series, even receiving threats. Wallau's honesty and integrity were paramount.
In a 1988 News Day article, Wallau shared his perspective on boxing: “I can justify the sport. I don’t go to boxing to see blows or to see hurt. I see people in the most basic of dramatic situations trying to deal with the one thing we all try to avoid - pain - and to summon up that one quality one rarely exhibits - courage.” This quote perfectly encapsulates his understanding of the sport's raw drama and the courage it demands.
Wallau's impact extended beyond the broadcast booth. He worked alongside Jim Lampley, who later became a prominent commentator on HBO. Lampley credited Wallau with shaping his understanding of boxing, leading to his Hall of Fame induction in 2015. Lampley said, "As much as any boxer I covered via the vast foundation of knowledge with which he and he alone first blessed me, Alex Wallau was a FIGHTER."
Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler also paid tribute to Wallau, highlighting his courage and impact on the sport. Trampler noted that Wallau faced death threats after exposing the controversial Don King tournament. Trampler added that Wallau should be in the Hall of Fame.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond his commentary, Wallau won two Emmy Awards as a producer and director for ABC Sports. He was named President of ABC in 2000. In 2007, he became a Senior Strategic Advisor for The Walt Disney Company, contributing to the development of the Disney+ streaming service. Wallau retired in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and integrity.
What are your thoughts on Alex Wallau's impact on boxing? Do you agree with his approach to commentary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
