The WBC mourns the passing of Mills Lane
The Word Boxing Council joined the boxing fraternity to mourn for legendary American referee, Mills Lane.
Lane sadly passed away at the old age of 85 this week. He had a successful professional boxing career between 1961-1967. Despite losing his pro debut, southpaw Lane went on to win his next 10 bouts in a row before retiring in May 1967 with a record of 10-1. He avenged his disastrious pro debut loss to Artie Cox a year later with a third-round TKO win.
As an amateur, Mills won the NCAA Boxing Championships in 1960 and came close to becoming an Olympian, reaching the semi-finals of the United States Olympic Trials as a welterweight.
As a referee, he officiated well over 250 bouts, and his last one was very memorable in 1998, as Thomas Hearns was in the ring with Jay Snyder when the rare double knockdown occured. It happened in the first roundand Hearns was able to get straight back up, but Snyder couldn't beat the count.
The WBC released the following statement: "The boxing family is reeling with so sad news, as the legendary boxing referee Mills Lane has passed away aged eighty five.
"Hall of Famer Lane officiated a multitude of major fights in the history of the sport, including more than 100 world championship bouts during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
"Mills, who had suffered a stroke 20 years ago, died after being treated in hospice care over the past week.
"The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán, offer his family, and friends the world over and world without end, our deepest condolences.
"Mills is forever a titan of boxing, who will never be forgotten.
"Rest In Peace Dear Friend."
Retired amateur boxer and journalist, Ben Doughty, also paid tribute to his boxing hero, "Just heard that Mills Lane – one of the most iconic referees in boxing history – has passed away at the age of 85.
"Mills started boxing in the Marine Corpsand reached the semi-finals of the 1960 Olympic Trials before turning pro as a welterweight and amassing a 10-1 record with six KOs.
"He refereed his first workd title fight in 1971 and – alongside Richard Steele – became the most synonymously recognisable third man in world boxing throughout the 80s and 90s.
"His catchphrase 'Let's Get It On' said everything you needed to know about an uncomprimising character who wasn't afraid to disqualify Mike Tyson in his notorious rematch with Evander Holyfield in June, 1997.
"Another legend for the big Boxing arena in the sky.
"Rest in peace, Mills."
BBN would also like to express their sincere condolences to Mills' family and friends at this difficult time.
