Saturday, August 28, 1999

Lipsitt ‘did a lot
for the game’

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

It was hard to know what local boxing man Joel Lipsitt knew more about -- the sweet science or the Boston Red Sox.

If you had the time, he would give a dissertation on both that was detailed and interesting.

The boxing matchmaker and historian died Aug. 19 of a heart attack at age 65. Services for Lipsitt are tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary.

"Joel Lipsitt was one of a kind, he was a character," said Mike Machado, who is the executive secretary of the Hawaii State Boxing Commission. "His knowledge of boxing was the most extensive of anyone I've known.

"He also did a lot for the local guys like Eric Alexander. He got them on boxing cards on the mainland to help with their exposure. He knew that was the only way they would get any real recognition."

Over the past two decades, Lipsitt served as a local matchmaker. But unlike some other local promoters, the former Air Force major brought in quality boxers.

"He worked hard to get some of our guys in the limelight," Machado said. "Sometimes, the guys he brought from the mainland were too good. But there's no question he did a lot for the game here."

The former insurance agent is survived by his wife, Yuki, and children, Michael and Nicole.