Lee Samuels inducted into Atlantic City Hall of Fame

Lee Samuels, a renowned publicist for Top Rank Boxing, is now a member of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. 

 
The 7th annual awards & induction event took place recently on the weekend of September 29th, through Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

Samuels, who was unable to get away for the induction weekend due to family obligations, asked long-time friend, award-winning commentator, and writer, Dave Bontempo, to accept the award on his behalf.

The event was a star-studded affair that saw some of boxing’s very best enshrined in the city that was once the home of some of boxing’s biggest fights.

Others honored over the weekend included, in the “Fighters” category, George Foreman, Shannon Briggs, David Tua, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, and Jamillia Lawrence.

The “Contributors” category welcomed Arnold Robbins (Trainer and manager), Matt Howard (Advisor), Joe Hand Sr. (Promoter), Rudy Battle (Referee), Benji Esteves Jr. (Referee) and Joseph Santoliquito (Media).

“Posthumous” inductions included Buster Drayton (Fighter) and Marty Feldman (Trainer and manager).

In the “Pioneers” category, Horace M. Leeds (Fighter), Joe Miller (Promoter), Rocky Castellani (Fighter & Official), "KO" Becky O’Niell (Manager), Willie O’Neill (Trainer) and Frankie Polo (Fighter).

Samuels, who began his career with Top Rank Boxing 40 years ago, has fond memories of his early days in the sport.. 

Reached in Las Vegas, Samuels was quick to point out that while he didn’t envision working in public relations in boxing for 4-plus decades, he is ever grateful for the life it has brought him.

"Oh, you never think you’ll be doing something like this, for this long, when you start, " he said with a laugh. "I was a kid, "he added. "I didn’t know what the future would hold, but I was excited to be covering the fights and working with the fighters. We started out in the New Jersey area, with the ‘ESPN Thursday Night Fights’ series. So, obviously being inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall means a lot to me. Back then, we had lots of great local and regional fighters. We used the method of neighborhood wars. You know, south side vs north side, west vs east. It was great. It worked then and works now in markets," he said. 

Reflecting on his fond memories from years past, he acknowledges the sheer number of iconic fighters he has had the pleasure of working with.. 

“From popular local fighters to the best fighters ever in the sport, we have worked with them all. Top Rank has worked with some of the best fighters ever in boxing”, he continued. “Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Hagler, Pacquiao, De La Hoya, the list just goes on and on”, he said. 

And, while Lee can talk all night about his love for the sport he has worked in for decades, he was also quick to mention his work family.

“I have my Top Rank family. I have worked for the best company in the world. I work with the best people. When I think of the great fighters, I have had the pleasure of working with, what a run”, he said. “Working for Top Rank has allowed me the opportunities to get recognized for honours like the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Bob Arum and Top Rank, it doesn’t get better than that. I owe everything to Bob”, he said. “I’ve been very blessed in my career”.

Lee Samuels – New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, 2023 inductee. Congratulations from MaxBoxing.