Remembering Mary Margaret Samuels

Legendary publicist Lee Samuels, who had a 40-plus year career with Top Rank Boxing, spent much of his life promoting and publicizing some of the best fighters the sport had to offer. 

However, sadly, this week, Lee said goodbye to his greatest champion and best friend in the passing of the love of his life, his dear wife Mary Margaret.  

Hall of Fame member Lee, who came out to Nevada from his native New Jersey with Top Rank decades ago, had retired last year and was spending all of his time with his wife who had battled health issues and dementia during the latter years of her life. 

While Lee was adjusting to life away from the fight game, a life he had known for years, in recent chats he had expressed it was “an honour” to get to be by his wife’s side daily. In our conversations, I would inevitably ask how his wife was and he would go into great detail about how “lucky and blessed” he felt to be married to a woman that he loved so much. It was always apparent how much Lee loved and respected Mary Margaret, a wonderful wife and mother. 

Lee and Mary Margaret had to mourn the loss of their son Eddie together years back when he passed at age 30 from heart complications. 

Lee, the boxing world sends out our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. 

Mary Margaret, may you rest in peace, and may your wonderful memories bring some comfort to your family and loved ones.