Born Kenneth Wayne Bayless on May 4, 1950 in Berkeley, CA. An All American track star at Berkeley High, he graduated from Cal State and relocated to Las Vegas in 1972 where he taught health and physical education for more than three decades.
After seeing Muhammad Ali box Jerry Quarry in Las Vegas in 1972, he decided to get involved in the sport, first as an amateur judge and referee. Appointed to the NSAC as an inspector in 1984, he became a licensed referee in 1991 and apprenticed under Richard Steele. Over the course of a 32- year career he would referee over 800 bouts and nearly 200 title bouts including Pacquiao vs. Marquez II, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Canelo v. Golovkin I, Barrera vs. Morales III, Fury vs. Wilder II and fights involving such stars as Bernard Hopkins, Christy Martin, Julio Cesar Chavez, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue.
Known for his pre-fight catchphrase “What I Say, You Must Obey,” Bayless retired in 2023.
Born: May 4, 1950
Induction: 2025
Kenny Bayless
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