Veteran Combat Sports Journalist Tom Gerbasi Dies, Leaving Behind Legacy of Insightful Storytelling
LAS VEGAS – Tom Gerbasi, a highly respected and prolific writer covering boxing and mixed martial arts for decades, has passed away. Known for his dedication to all levels of fighters and a distinctive,witty voice,Gerbasi’s work appeared regularly on UFC.com and numerous other platforms. he was 50 years old.
Gerbasi’s colleagues remember a storyteller who could captivate audiences with tales from the fight world, ofen returning to a personal favorite: his own single boxing match. He frequently recounted the experience, particularly a line from the New York Daily News coverage: “Gerbasi was in trouble from the opening bell.” A dinner in 2023 provided another opportunity for him to revisit the story, delivering a detailed recounting when prompted.
Those who worked with Gerbasi consistently described him as a dedicated chronicler of the sport, offering equal attention to rising prospects and established champions. He authored dozens of articles monthly, demonstrating a rare blend of wit, care, and earnestness in his writing.
In 2022, Gerbasi was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor he reportedly both dreaded and appreciated, as he expressed in an email following UFC.com’s coverage of the event. Despite a sometimes-gruff exterior, colleagues noted his genuine love for the sport and its athletes. He is remembered as a quintessential New York-based sportswriter who, despite complaining about the challenges of the job, clearly thrived within the world of combat sports.
