John Thomas

World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

Name: John Thomas
Alias: Gentleman John
Birth Name: John B. Thomas
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, USA
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Died: 2006-01-04 (Age:83)
Height: 175cm
Judge: Record
Referee: Record
Pro Boxer: Record
Amateur Boxer: Record

Manager: Bert Lewis
Trainer: George Tolson

John Thomas was a lightweight contender during the mid-1940s, scoring his biggest victory in a 1944 win over Henry Armstrong. In 1954, Thomas became a licensed referee with the California State Athletic Commission, becoming just the second licensed African-American referee in the state. Thomas worked an estimated 2,000 matches as a referee and judge. Thomas died on January 4, 2006 of prostate cancer in a Los Angeles hospice.

Awards and Recognition

• Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame for his work as an official.

Sources and Notes

• Los Angeles Times Obituary (January 11, 2006)