The IBF announced the death of former referee, judge and pro boxer Ernest Sharif earlier this week: "We received news today that Ernest Sharif passed away on February 11. Ernie was a boxing referee and judge from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was a member of the IBF since 1995. Ernie was always in attendance and the IBF conventions and will truly be missed. We are saddened by this loss and keep his family in our thoughts during this difficult time."  Sharif was 0-1 as a pro boxer, losing a majority decision in 1983. An attorney by trade, he made a bigger mark on the sport as a referee and judge. In 2019, he was the third man in the ring for Naoya Inoue's thrilling unanimous decision win over Nonito Donaire. He also oversaw Wladimir Klitschko vs. Francesco Pianetta and Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg, among many others.

 

Boxingtalk sends its sympathies to the friends and family of Ernest Sharif.