You are currently viewing Michael Katz, 85, Dies; Wrote About Boxing With Passion and Humor

Writing for The New York Times and The Daily News, he was known for his combative style and relished tweaking the powerful people in the sport.

Michael Katz, a feisty Hall of Fame sportswriter who brought a deft touch, a caustic wit and a deep understanding of fighters and trainers to his coverage of boxing for The New York Times and The Daily News, died on Jan. 27 in Brooklyn. He was 85.

Nick Black, his son-in-law, confirmed the death, at a rehabilitation facility. He did not cite a cause, but Mr. Katz had had various ailments over the years, including diabetes, kidney failure and a brain tumor.

Mr. Katz’s combative style emerged most clearly during his 15 years as the boxing columnist for The News. Shortly after Mike Tyson’s 91-second demolition of Michael Spinks in their heavyweight title fight in 1988, Mr. Katz excoriated Tyson for betraying people in his camp, including

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