MEXICO CITY – April 23, 2026 – The World Boxing Council mourns the passing of Bill Caplan, an International Boxing Hall of Famer who shaped the sport of boxing and left an indelible mark as a legendary publicist for more than 50 years since 1962.
“Uncle Bill, my dearest friend, who took me to Disneyland when I was eight years old and had always been so close to me, will forever be remembered as an icon and as someone who never wavered in his pursuit to promote the sport that he loved”, said WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán. “God bless him forever and for eternity. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and so many friends that Bill had around the world.”
Mr. Caplan’s distinguished career included work for legends such as his dear friend George Foreman, Top Rank, Aileen Eaton, and Golden Boy Promotions. He was also awarded the Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award by the Boxing Writers of America in 2010 and the Barney Nagler Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing in 2016.
Beloved by those he shared experiences with on and off the ring and admired by so many others who aspired to be like him through the years, his five children, including his daughter Debbie, now carry on his legacy.
“My dad was someone who loved boxing, and he would always make sure that he did what was best for the sport and those he loved within it. Most importantly, he was a family man first,” Debbie said. “He met his wife in 1957 and remained married until the day he passed. He lived for his family and for his five children, nine grandchildren, and his great-grandchild. We will cherish his memory forever.”
