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December 17, 2004/Tevet 5 5765, Vol. 57, No.16
Time capsule
Boxing icon started career in Phoenix
IRA MORTON
Special to Jewish News
When Jay Edson died at his home in Naples, Fla., on Dec. 10, 2002, at age 77 - two years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - he was lauded by the sports media as one of the most respected and beloved figures in the history of professional boxing.
Edson circled the globe for more than 25 years working as a referee in 49 world title fights. Upon his retirement in 1979, he accepted an offer from boxing promoter Bob Arum to head up the newly created position of Site Coordinator at Top Rank.
Over the next 20 years, Edson handled all the logistics for Top Rank's world championship boxing matches. In the process, he developed close relationships with many champions, including George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Oscar de la Hoya.
In the '90s, Edson was awarded the James J. Walker Award for "Long and meritorious service to boxing" and inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Shortly after his death, his peers created the annual Jay Edson Award to honor the person who "Epitomizes the best in boxing." George Foreman became its first recipient in 2003.
This is same Jay Edson who was one of the most popular and visible characters in the Phoenix Jewish community from the early fifties to the early seventies. Those who lived here during those precious, intimate years when Phoenix was still a small town will surely remember him.
Jay moved from Pittsburgh to Phoenix in 1952 with his new bride to set up a sales office for State of Israel Bonds. This led to appointments as executive director of the Phoenix Jewish Community Center and Beth El Congregation.
Jay's involvement in the Jewish community included serving as host of the "Jewish Hour" on a local Phoenix radio station and emceeing most of the Jewish functions. He was no George Jessel, but his warm, friendly manner made him a crowd favorite. What's more, he was always available and never charged for his services.
Jay appeared to enjoy what he was doing, but deep down was a very frustrated man. He had growing financial needs and a strong desire for greater recognition. He explored business opportunities outside the Jewish community and when offered the job as manager of the newly opened Biltmore Fashion Park, jumped at it. Unfortunately the position didn't work out.
Jay left town a few years later to pursue a full-time career as a boxing referee. He had worked part-time as a referee at the old Madison Square Garden during his entire stay in Phoenix and also served as secretary of the Arizona Athletic Commission.
Many wonder why a nice Jewish boy like Jay Edson left friends and family in Phoenix and chose to associate himself with so many unsavory characters in such a messy, violent business. The answer is simple. He loved boxing, had a natural gift for refereeing and viewed the sport as a springboard to gain the fame and fortune he had sought all his life.
The Jews of Arizona have a proud heritage. Preserving the memories and recording the accomplishments of those who have come before us and those now in our midst is the sacred mission of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. For more information about the AJHS and the newly established Cutler_Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, call 602-241-7870 or visit www.azjhs.org.
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