Inducted on November 9, 2000
I began boxing as an amateur under the guidance of Al Santura, Bill Aneese, Joe Barressi and Ralph Palmissano. I had numerous contests (about 48). I competed in three Golden Glove Tournaments. I reached the semis in the New York Golden Gloves. I lost a decision to Wayne Magee who was a five-time Golden Gloves champion. I won the Colorado Golden Gloves in 1966, where I had gone to school. I turned professional in 1970, the same year that I graduated from then Jersey City State College with a BA in Special Education. I continued to attend college while boxing. I earned two masters degrees, one in special education and one in administration — supervision. I currently work at School #31 (Infante School) working with cognitively impaired children. As a professional, I had some 50 professional bouts beginning in 1970 and concluding in 1981. I was KO’d only by Jim Elder in my second pro bout. I was stopped some three or four times by the referee because I was hurting my opponent’s hands. Traveling extensively, I was able to box some of the elite in the game. I’m grateful to have had as many contests as I have with a minimum amount of damage. My parents, Agnes and John, receive all the credit for inspiring me to continue my education.Boxing was beneficial to me, even though I had more losses than wins as a professional. I was able to avoid the temptations that many of my peers experienced. I regret not having more wins, but I’ve been a winner with the family and friends that I have had.
Brian O’Melia is today one of the most experienced and respected of professional boxing referees in the Northeastern United States.
- Brian O’Melia is a well-known and respected referee in the state of New Jersey, seen frequently in Atlantic City casino bouts
- O’Melia refereed the NABA WBC USNBC cruiserweight title bout between Bobby Gunn and Brad Gregory in in 2009
- O’Melia refereed the WBF United States light heavyweight title bout between ‘Professor’ Chuck Mussachio and Anthony Ferrante in Atlantic City in 2010
- O’Melia refereed the six round light middleweight bout between Manny Pacquiao sparring partner Glen Tapia and Quinton Whitaker in Atlantic City in 2010
Refereeing Record: click
Boxing Record: click