Rest in Peace - Alex Wallau

Alex Wallau, the long-time ABC network boxing commentator who was behind the mic for many classic fights in the 80’s and 90’s, sadly, has passed. 

Although Wallau never stepped in the ring, there was perhaps nobody braver or tougher in the sport. He stared down the stage-4 throat cancer almost 40 years ago that would eventually take him.

Wallau was ABC’s on-air boxing analyst from 1986 until their final broadcast in June 2000. Despite his dire health diagnosis, Wallau fought hard and returned to the airwaves after numerous gruelling treatments.

He began his career working as a sportswriter and editor and then joined ABC in 1976, taking over as the on-air boxing analyst. Wallau worked for years with close friend Jim Lampley, who was understandably devastated by the news.

“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,” said Lampley. “His survival in a gruesome battle with throat cancer in the early 1990s was beyond courageous. The simple fact he endured for another thirty years is an example of epic courage. He taught me how to see and call boxing matches, and through that the eventual emblem of my entire fifty-year career was a gift from him. I’m devastated that he is gone, but eternally grateful he was here.  All his friends and familial survivors have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Thank you forever Alex.”

In another recent statement from Hall of Fame matchmaker Bruce Trampler, it was again evident the respect he garnered in the boxing industry.

“Boxing lost a courageous man with the passing of former commentator Alex Wallau, dear friend of many in the business,” said Trampler. “Alex faced death threats after exposing the crooked Don King tournament, was the brain behind Howard Cosell and later president of ABC TV for Bob Iger. Should be HOF.”

The boxing industry says goodbye to a true legend.

Rest in Peace, Alex.