By William Trillo
In boxing, the spotlight usually belongs to champions, promoters, and the chaos under the bright lights. But every so often there is someone working just outside the ropes whose influence runs just as deep. Bill Caplan was one of those people.
For decades, Caplan was one of boxing’s most respected publicists and trusted architects behind the scenes, a rare figure who could move comfortably between fighters, promoters, writers and television executives, all the while somehow earning the affection of nearly all of them — no small feat in this sport.
He was, of course, best known as George Foreman’s long-time publicist and close confidant, helping shape one of the greatest reinventions in sports history. Foreman’s remarkable second act — from heavyweight champion reborn to beloved global icon — did not happen by accident. Caplan helped build that image with the same care others devote to training champions.
But his imprint stretched far beyond Big George. His tenures with Don King Productions, Top Rank, and later Golden Boy Promotions placed him at the center of multiple generations of boxing history. Big fights, bigger personalities, title nights that became folklore — Bill Caplan seemed to be around all of it.
The Los Angeles Times once called him “boxing’s warm-hearted friend in a world of pirates.” It may be the most accurate line ever written about a boxing publicist.
I first met Bill at the World Boxing Hall of Fame luncheon in 2002, the year I was just beginning what was then a fledgling journalism career with Fightnews. George Foreman was being inducted that same year, and naturally Bill was there at his side — where he so often was.
Through the years we crossed paths often at cards in Southern California and Las Vegas. And every time, without fail, he would greet me with a smile and a cheerful, “Hello Memo,” using the Spanish nickname for William. I’d grin and answer back, “Hello Memo,” and that became our running joke — our shorthand for good to see you, have a great weekend at the fights.
Then Bill would saunter off toward the press room, usually stopping to greet what seemed like every person in it.
That was Bill. He made people feel seen. He made boxing feel a little smaller, a little friendlier. And in a sport not always known for warmth, that mattered.
There are publicists who promote events. Bill Caplan promoted relationships. He built trust. He built legacies. And in many ways, he helped humanize a business that often resists it.
Both Bret Newton and I were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was one of the good ones — and there are darn few of them left.
He will be missed by his boxing family.
And I suspect every time I think of Bill, I will hear that familiar greeting.
Hello, Memo.
This time, though, it feels tough to have to answer another way.
Good-bye, Memo.
