Colin Hart, a legendary figure in boxing journalism, tragically passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 89. With a career that spanned over five decades, Hart was the voice of boxing for thousands of fans, particularly through his influential work at The Sun in London.
Born in 1935 in London's East End, Hart's fascination with boxing began at a young age. His passion for the sport was ignited by stories from his father and brothers. It wasn't long before he found his calling in journalism, entering the field in 1958 when he joined the Daily Herald as a news reporter. Hart's love for boxing led him to the sports desk in 1962, and he began covering boxing full-time from 1964.
His career took a significant turn in 1969 when he began working for The Sun, with his first assignment being the iconic fight between heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971. This marked the beginning of a storied journey where Hart became one of the most recognized boxing writers in the world.
Throughout his career, Hart gained a reputation not only for his extensive knowledge of the sport but also for his distinctive, sometimes gruff writing style. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to boxing journalism when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013, a rare honor for a British writer. Just two years prior, in 2011, he received the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).
As a writer, Hart did not shy away from sharing his opinions. He was passionate about the integrity of boxing, famously stating, "It’s not a game. You do not play boxing. It’s a business." His seriousness about the sport resonated deeply in his writing and interactions with fans and fighters alike.
Hart was known for his vibrant and sometimes humorous anecdotes. He had a storied history of covering major fights, including the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" between Ali and George Foreman, which took place in Zaire. His skepticism about the fight's feasibility led to one of his memorable quotes about Don King’s initial announcement: "There was this weird American with his hair sticking up on end... and I thought, 'Who is this clown, I’ve never heard so much rubbish in all my life.'" Yet, Hart was there ringside at 4 a.m. local time, witnessing history unfold.
Colleagues and friends remember Hart not just for his articles but for the stories he shared. He once recounted a moment of reverence within the boxing community when Joe Louis appeared at a major fight. "Talk about the hairs coming up on the back of your head," he said, emphasizing the respect that surrounded the boxing legend. These interactions defined Harts work, marking him as a journalist who understood not just the sport, but the humanity behind it.
For fans and aspiring boxing writers alike, Hart was more than just a reporter; he was an inspiration. His passion and dedication to the craft were evident in everything he wrote. He continued to contribute to The Sun as a boxing columnist until just weeks before his passing, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and his audience.
In 2000, Hart officially retired from daily journalism after a remarkable 31 years at The Sun. However, retirement did not keep him from the ring. His passion for boxing led him back to writing about the sport he loved, maintaining his presence in the media landscape up until his very last months.
As tributes pour in from across the boxing community, many have echoed the sentiment that Hart’s influence on boxing journalism will be felt for years to come. His colorful personality and fierce commitment to truthful journalism made him an indelible part of sports history.
In remembering Colin Hart, we celebrate not only a remarkable boxing journalist but also a man who truly lived and breathed the sport. He leaves behind a legacy of fearless reporting and a deep love for boxing that inspired countless fans and journalists alike. His passing marks the end of an era in sports journalism.
