A contemporary of fellow classmate Irving Rudd, Goodman was a consummate professional whose career spanned nearly 70 years. Born New Years Day 1914 in Petricov, Russia, his association with boxing began as a sports/writer/columnist and eventually the sports editor for Universal Service syndicate from 1926-37. His work was widely read and eventually Goodman's columns were read by readers of more than 700 newspapers.
In the late-1930s he left the print world and joined the media department at Madison Square Garden. Under Hall of Famers Mike Jacobs and Harry Markson, Goodman was the publicity director for the International Boxing Club, which was Garden boxing. Over the next two decades he was a main component of boxing during the Garden's glory era.
He left the arena in 1960 and started his own public relations firm. But his expertise was still highly sought after and he eventually returned to boxing and worked on many famous fights, including the promotions of Bob Arum and Don King.
During his career Goodman covered or helped promote the fights of Joe Louis, Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Marciano, Kid Gavilan, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Bob Foster.
He even ventured into the promotional side of the sport. In 1963, along with a then-little known New Jersey-based promoter named Lou Duva, Goodman staged the Joey Giardello vs. Dick Tiger middleweight title fight.
He was also instrumental in the creation of the prestigious "Hickok Belt," which for decades was presented annually to the athlete of the year.
His son, Bob, has also held several important positions in the boxing industry, including the Directory of Boxing at the Garden. He currently is the head of operations for Don King. Goodman passed away on March 8, 1996.
Nevertheless, his memory lives on with those who benefited from his professionalism and expertise.
Born: Jan. 1, 1914
Died: Mar. 8, 1996
Induction: 1999
Murray Goodman
