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:
RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
Wed, 14 Jan 2026“No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 14 Jan 2026