Only 33, Halpern had established himself as among the very best in the business -- working 87 championship fights and hundreds of non-title fights around the world. Halpern was the third man in the ring for Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson I, Lennox Lewis-Holyfield II, Holyfield-Michael Moorer II, Oscar De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad, De La Hoya-Ike Quartey and Johnny Tapia-Danny Romero. Halpern, a ref for over nine years, worked the Beibis Mendoza-Rosendo Alvarez title fight just ten days ago.

After working Holfield-Tyson I on November 9, 1996, the Tyson camp - looking for someone to blame in the wake of Tyson's 11th round TKO - unfairly blamed Halpern for being biased and not penalizing Holyfield for alleged headbutting. Halpern was also selected to referee the June 28, 1997 rematch. However, when the Tyson camp predictably opposed, Halpern unselfishly removed himself 24 hours before the bout in order to avoid further controversy. Veteran Mills Lane stepped in and DQ'd Tyson in the third round of the infamous "bite fight".

Halpern, who is divorced, leaves behind a four-year-old daughter and a fiancee, who he was with at the time of the shooting. Though details remain sketchy, the shooting appears to be the result of a domestic dispute.

This is truly a great loss in the boxing world as Halpern was a well-liked and respected friend of the sport. We send our deepest condolences to Mr. Halpern's family and friends.

Fight fans are mourning the loss of Halpern on the boxing bulletin board.