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.
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