Additional words by John J. Raspanti
Even when they live a good, long life, it is hard to say goodbye.
Boxing, sadly, had to bid farewell to legendary publicist Bill Caplan, who passed at age 90.
In 6-plus decades, Caplan championed the careers of stars like George Foreman and Oscar De La Hoya along with boxing’s best promoters, including Don King, Bob Arum, Don and Lorraine Chargin, Aileen Eaton, and Dan Goosen, among others.
Caplan, warmly referred to as “Uncle Bill” by friends, was well-liked and respected by his peers. His legendary career certainly brought him some well-deserved recognition for the long-time Los Angeles resident. He was inducted into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame, was recognized by the Boxing Writers Associations of America, first in 2010 with the Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award and again with the Barney Nagler Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing in 2016. Caplan was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Caplan got his start in 1962 doing PR work for promoter Leo Minskoff and heavyweight great Joe Louis. Within a decade, he was working for Don King.
One of Caplan‘s most cherished clients was heavyweight great George Foreman, whom he represented from his amateur days and throughout his incredible pro career.
Foreman, an ordained minister, officiated the wedding of Caplan’s daughter, Liz, as well as his granddaughter, and even remarried Caplan’s parents.
While Caplan gained legend status in the sport for his public relations work, he did about everything else you could do in boxing short of stepping in the ring to fight. At times, he also served as a matchmaker, ring announcer, and promoter.
Caplan is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his children, Scott and Debbie. Caplan’s 2 sons, Harold and Charlie, sadly predeceased him. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
If you do something you love, you never work a day in your life. Congratulations on a great career.
Rest in peace, Bill.
I met Bill Caplan by chance in 2011. After that, we’d speak on the phone and email each other routinely, and meet for lunch. He set up an interview for me with Oscar De La Hoya in 2012. If I had a question, I’d call Bill. He always had the answer or the right person to contact. I was never able to thank him enough.
Bill was an extraordinary man of depth who loved food. He took me to a couple of restaurants in downtown Los Angeles that I had never heard of. I can be picky, but I wasn’t worried. The food was fabulous.
He could spin a yarn better than most.
I’ll forever remember sitting around a table with Bill and his close friend Don “War-a Week” Chargin. They bantered like a comedy team, laughing the entire time. I laughed along with them. Their friendship had begun in 1962.
When Chargin died in 2015. Bill was devastated. His eyes told the story of the pain he felt. They were like brothers.
Boxing has lost a legend with ties to Joe Louis and George Foreman. I’ve lost a friend who can never be replaced. They broke the mold when Bill was created.
I can see him in heaven cracking wise with George and Don.
John Raspanti
Editor 2026