Remembering Richie Kates

The boxing world was saddened by the news of the passing of former 1970s light heavyweight contender Richie Kates, who passed away Saturday, March 11, just shy of his 70th birthday.

Kates turned pro as a 16-year-old and accumulated a record of 44-6 (23 KOs). The 6th of 11 children, Richie was originally from Savannah, Georgia, but moved to New Jersey as a young child. Kates turned pro in December 1969 and fought until the fall of 1983. While he never did win a world title, he did compete 2 times, against legend Victor Galindez, for the WBA world title belt. Richie retired as an uncrowned champion only because of the talent-laden era he competed in.

While there is no question in my mind that he would have won a world title had he been fighting today, he competed during an era in which the light-heavyweight division was deep with talent.

Bob Foster, Galindez, Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Mike Rossman, and Michael Spinks, were just some of the names that littered the rankings during his time.

During his career, Kates would face off against Len Hutchins, Don Fullmer, Jimmy Dupree, Victor Galindez, Matthew Saad Muhammed, Murray Sutherland, James Scott, and Jeff Lampkin, among others.

In an interview a couple of years ago, legendary Philadelphia promoter Russell Peltz spoke about just how good Kates was and how hard it was to be a top contender in the 175-pound division during his time.

"Richie fought during what was the best era of light-heavyweights in history," said Peltz. "The current light-heavyweights are good fighters, but they wouldn’t have the records they have if they were facing the guys from the 1970s and early ’80s."

And, upon learning of the passing of Kates this past week, Peltz took to social media to share his condolences and sadness at the passing of his friend and former fighter.

Peltz tweeted, “Breaks my heart to report that 1970s and early 80s light-heavyweight contender Richie Kates passed away today two months short of his 70th birthday. What a class guy!”

A great light heavyweight fighter in a great light heavyweight era.

Rest in Peace, Champ!