Lou Filippo with Sylvester Stallone and David Martinez
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian
 
 
On November 2, 2009 the boxing world lost a true icon, Lou Filippo, who passed away peacefully due to a stroke; he was 83 years old. The many who knew Lou will always remember the dedication that he gave to the sport he dearly loved. 
 
He began his life in boxing as a top amateur boxer in the 1940’s. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and won the South Pacific All-Services 155 pound title in 1944.
 
After being discharged from the Navy, Lou won the U.S. Diamond Belt Lightweight title. He had over 250 amateur bouts before turning pro in 1947, and he compiled a record of 28 wins, 9 losses, and 3 draws. During his professional career he fought former lightweight champions Carlos Ortiz and Lauro Salas. In 1957, he was named “Fighter of the Year” in Los Angeles, California.
 
He went into officiating in 1973 and was either a referee or judge in 85 world championship bouts, including Sugar Ray Leonard’s controversial split decision win over Marvin Hagler in 1987, a bout where Lou scored Hagler the winner (and my scorecard agreed with Lou’s scoring of that fight).
 
Lou appeared in all five Rocky movies as either a referee or announcer, which leads to a story that stands out in my memory of those days with him. At one meeting with Lou, he asked “Hey David, did you get the little referee doll of me yet, the one from the Rocky movie”? I must admit I thought he was joking, but to my surprise, when I visited my local toy store, there was an action figure doll of Lou Filippo!  Today it is truly a collector’s item.
 
Lou was a caring man, and I will always remember him as an honest, loyal, and hard working person.  Those are just some of the traits that I saw in him during my ten years serving along side him in the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Lou Filippo – lost – but not forgotten!