Joe Hand Sr., a boxing promoter and pioneer of the pay-per-view industry, has died at the age of 87 following a battle with COVID-19. The news of his death was confirmed by his son on August 1.
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Hand, whose career spanned more than five decades, is celebrated for his contributions to the sports programming industry.
He is perhaps best known for mentoring boxing legend Joe Frazier, who not only won an Olympic Gold Medal but also famously defeated Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in 1971. This mentorship was instrumental in shaping Frazier’s career and solidifying Hand’s reputation as a key figure in boxing.
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In recognition of his significant impact on the sport, Hand was honored with inductions into both the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame last year.
Hand’s legacy is also marked by the success of Joe Hand Promotions, a company he founded and chaired. Under his leadership, the company became a major player in distributing sports programming, pioneering the pay-per-view model that revolutionized the industry.
For over 50 years, Joe Hand Promotions provided access to high-profile sports events, setting new standards for live sports broadcasting.
Despite his illness, Hand remained actively involved in the business until his recent health decline. His son revealed that Hand continued working with the company until he fell ill with COVID-19 two weeks ago.
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