Born in Blythe, CA on January 28, 1927, Don Fraser has been involved in nearly every aspect of professional boxing. In a career that has spanned over 55 years, he has served as a promoter, matchmaker, manager, publicist, writer, executive and corner man.
A graduate of Manual Arts High School, Fraser soon became a fixture of the West Coast fight scene. An astute writer, he was sports editor of the Manual Arts Daily, The Ring's California correspondent and from 1950-55 he was the editor of Knockout magazine.
"Dandy Don" was also a master publicist, plying his skill as public relations director at the Hollywood Legion Stadium (1956-1959), Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium (1959-1967), and the Inglewood Forum (1967-1981). During his tenure at the Forum, Fraser was also the director of boxing, promoting many fights including the 1973 rematch between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton.
After leaving the Forum in 1981, Fraser was appointed Executive Officer of the California Athletic Commission. He returned to promoting and the Olympic Auditorium in 1983 where he was head promoter until 1984. Soon thereafter, Fraser began promoting at the Irvine Marriot Hotel in Irvine, CA and ran a string of successful shows until 1992. During his career, Fraser has promoted fights featuring Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Robinson, Ruben Olivares, George Foreman, Jose Napoles, Salvador Sanchez, Carlos Zarate, Bobby Chacon and Danny "Little Red" Lopez.
Born: Jan. 28, 1927
Died: Oct. 30, 2019
Induction: 2005
Don Fraser
