Jewell honored as Official of the Year.

Earl Jewell started boxing as a way to enhance his athletic skills and to keep himself out of trouble as a teenager and use his time productively into develop into manhood. Jewell, 49 years old, started his amateur boxing career under the trainership of Ozell Dobbins at the PAL Gym at E. 79th St. and Woodland Avenue. With a total of 103 amateur fights, Jewell won the Cleveland Golden Gloves in 1973 in the 132 pounds division; 1974 in the 139 pounds division; and 1975 in the 139 pounds division.

In 1976 he won the National PAL Championship in the 147 pounds division. While as an amateur boxer, he fought and beat such world boxing champions as Aaron Pryor, Helmer Kenty, Harry Arroyo and J.B. Williamson. Although Jewell fought Sugar Ray Leonard as an amateur, he was not able to get a win over him. As a professional boxer, Jewell had a short lived career with two fights and two wins. After ending his boxing career, Jewell trained boxers for a brief period at the PAL #3 Gym.

Being active for more than 18 years as an amateur and professional boxing referee, Jewell is licensed by the Ohio Athletic Commission as a referee. He has refereed world title fights in Europe and South America for the World Boxing Organization. Receiving his formal education in the Cleveland Public School System, Jewell graduated from East Tech High School. He retired after being employed for 32 years by the City of Cleveland. Following his retirement, Jewell is financial services expert for Primerica. While meeting in high school, Jewell has been married to his “Sweetheart” Theresa Ann for 35 years, and they have two sons, Earl Jr. and Aaron, and three grandchildren.

He enjoys watching football, basketball, and boxing. Jewell was inducted into the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates, Inc. Hall of Fame in 2003. “It was an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. If you are dedicated and work hard, you will be rewarded,” Jewell said. He is being honored as Official of the Year.