Sammy Luftspring great Canadian boxer and referee

On my walk at Dawes Road Cemetery, I discovered the grave of Canada’s great boxer, Sammy Luftspring.

Born in Toronto in 1916, Sammy grew up in the working-class St. John’s Ward — also known simply as “the Ward” — a neighbourhood known for its diverse immigrant population and tough spirit. It was the same community that nurtured CHIN Radio/TV founder Johnny Lombardi.

The Ward, Toronto.

The son of a father who earned a living through bootlegging and various jobs, Sammy was one of six children. From a young age, he showed exceptional promise in boxing, starting to compete as an amateur at 16. Over four years, he fought 105 bouts, winning an incredible 100 of them — a near-unstoppable record.

Proud of his Jewish heritage, Sammy wore the Star of David on his boxing shorts. In 1936, he was selected to represent Canada at the Berlin Olympics. With great courage and conviction, he and fellow boxer “Baby Yak” chose to protest the Games, condemning the Nazi regime’s treatment of Jews.

In 1940, during a professional fight in New York City, a severe eye injury—a detached retina—left him blind in one eye and forced him to retire from boxing. With little financial reward from the sport, he took on various jobs, including taxi driving, to support his family.

Later, Sammy returned to the ring in a different role, becoming a successful boxing referee. Over his career, he officiated more than 2,000 fights, including the 1965 WBA heavyweight title match between George Chuvalo and Ernie Terrell at Maple Leaf Gardens.

In addition to his boxing career, Sammy worked as a manager and bouncer at the Mercury Club (Dundas and Bay Streets). In 1985, he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame — a fitting honour for a true Canadian sports legend.

Sammy Luftspring passed away in Toronto on September 27, 2000, at the age of 84.

The inscription on his gravestone reads as follows:

A Great Canadian Boxing Champion
“Call me Sammy”
In our hearts you live forever.

1916-2000