Frank Cappuccino


Frank Capcino, better known by his ring name Frank Cappuccino, was a boxing referee best known for having officiated over some of the most famous boxing matches in history.

Career

Cappuccino was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the neighborhood known as Kensington. Both he and his brother Vito were accomplished boxers. Fighting as a lightweight, Cappuccino fought more than 130 amateur bouts in the early 1950s. He participated in the Pennsylvania state championships and was a finalist in both the Diamond Belt and Golden Glove Tournaments. Leaving the amateur ranks in 1955, Cappuccino turned professional under the management of George Katz. Though undefeated in six professional matches, Cappuccino retired early. Asked why he didn't continue with his professional career, Cappuccino told Northeast Times reporter Joe fcaMason, "I decided that I had to either get out or get knocked on my heels. But I loved the sport and I wanted to stay involved."
Cappuccino received his referee's license in 1958. Over the past half-century, he has been the third man in the ring for over 25,000 bouts, including an estimated 10,000 professional matches. He has officiated 94 world championship bouts in North America, Europe and Asia.
Boxing experts tended to praise Cappuccino's work in the squared circle. He typically allowed a boxer in trouble to try to fight his way out of it, rather than calling an abrupt technical knockout. This was best evidenced in the memorable 2002 Mickey Ward vs. Arturo Gatti fight. Despite this, there never was an incident of serious injury in a match Cappuccino presided over. Asked about having Cappuccino as a referee, boxer Mickey Ward replied, "Frank was great and still is. He's an old guy but he does his homework and lets you fight your fight. I'd love to get Frank again. He does everything with his voice. I have a lot of respect for him." Cappuccino was enshrined in both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
Cappuccino also served as a boxing judge for several fights. The most notable bout he judged was Michael Spinks versus Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the undisputed World Light Heavyweight Championship, fought on March 18, 1983. Spinks won by unanimous decision.
Outside the ring, Cappuccino was a supervisor for the Keebler Company. He also served as a sanitation control inspector for the School District of Philadelphia. He resided in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He was survived by his wife, Florence.

Memorable fights