By: Jim Amato

Ralph Citro’s contributions to boxing have been numerous and he received recognition for his efforts a few years ago when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. It was a fitting tribute to a boxing pioneer to receive this much deserved recognition before his passing.

Ralph earned a reputation as a top flight cut man throughout his association with the sport. Nevertheless Ralph’s contributions go far beyond that.He began the publication Computer Boxing Update in 1984 and it evolved into today’s standard for the up keep of boxing records. Ralph had Computer Boxing Update until 1993. It would eventually evolve into the resourceful Fight Fax Record Book. Then Ralph took over as Director of the International Boxing Research Organization ( I.B.R.O. ).

In my opinion I.B.R.O is the best kept secret in boxing. The members contribute research taken from micro film accounts of fights from the past. They post the records of boxers, contribute articles and just share their vast knowledge of boxing. This is then condensed into three to four 100+ page journals sent out during the year. Reading these journals is like taking a class in Boxing 101.

I became a member of I.B.R.O. around 1994. I had never met Ralph but I had talked to him on numerous occasions. Ralph worked hard to give I.B.R.O. a rock solid foundation. Ralph handed over the directorship to the very capable Dan Cuoco in the year 2000. Dan has done an excellent job. I’m sure Ralph was very proud of how Dan carried out the I.B.R.O. tradition.

Ralph will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by the boxing community.