Hugh V. “Pepper” Martin – (1978)

Lorain’s first and only nationally known boxing referee. He was the first ring official to represent this city in a U.S. event in Denver, Colo., 1974.

Refereed in every Lorain District A.A.U. Golden Gloves tournament from 1955-78. His national tourney official’s invitational visits number more than a dozen, including Albuquerque, N. Mexico, in 1978.

In his long career, he has stepped between the ropes for well over 1,000 bouts. He holds the Ohio State Fair National Invitational tourney mark for refereeing an amazing 48 bouts in four days.

Served here under five City Boxing Commission Presidents, Dr. Richard Nielsen, Steve Zolnay, Joe Frazer, Larry May and Mike Bulzomi, plus faithfully under Mayors John Jaworski, Woodrow Mathna and Joseph Zahorec.

Ideally suited as Lorain’s Chief-of-referees throughout the 1970’s because of his experience as a schooled medical first-aid technician, emergency policeman and ambulance attendance, and certified Red Cross volunteer.

Earned many boxing awards and citations, including special appreciation adjudications from the Ohio Youth Commission, Lorain Mayor Zahorec, and “Friends of Pepper Martin Committee.”

Mr. Martin also devoted many hours to area youths as a Little League baseball coach, Junior Olympics track and field judge and C.Y.O. basketball committeeman.