| |
|
Hall of Fame Referee Mills Lane passes away at 85
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 07 Dec 2022
It is sad to announce the passing of legendary Hall of Fame umpire Mills Lane at the age of 85 in Reno, Nevada. Lane, who coined the catchphrase 'let's do it', officiated many major boxing matches, including the famous "Bite Fight" between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997.
He has served as the third man in the ring in more than 100 world championship fights.
Mills Lane, who rose to fame first as a boxer, then a referee, district attorney and Washoe County judge, died Tuesday morning in Reno.
Lane was also a prosecutor in the Washoe County (Nev.) district attorney's office for most of the 1970s and 1980s, eventually being elected district attorney. He became a judge in the 1990s, after which he starred in the television series "Judge Mills Lane" which ran for three years.
After retiring as an arbitrator, he starred in a court show television program for several years.
Unfortunately, Lane suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Rest in peace.
Lane was well liked and loved in Reno and he helped numerous children throughout the community.
Lane was involved in boxing when he was of a much higher profile and many big fights took place in Nevada when Lane was a referee.
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks issued a press release on Lane's death: "In addition to his legendary status in the world of boxing, Mills B. Lane was a pillar of justice in Washoe County. He was a dedicated and no-nonsense district attorney who put crime victims and public safety first. My family and I, as well as the entire Washoe County District Attorney's Office, mourn his loss. May he rest in peace."
The Administration of Justice Building in Reno is named after Lane.
Lane started boxing in the Marines. He fought professionally in the 1960s, compiling a record of 10-1 (6 KO's). He lost in his debut and then went undefeated.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
