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:
Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 11 May 2026The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 11 May 2026Boxing trio reunited up there
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 11 May 20261st CK Ingles Chess Kings Set to Kick Off
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 11 May 2026Zhu Outguns "The Assassin" Ian Abne in Cebu Thriller, Earns Shot at IBF Champ Taduran
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 10 May 2026Arañas Survives Harsh Knockdown, Stops Noynay to Claim WBF Strap in Cebu (Fist of Fury X Results)
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 10 May 2026Mindoro faces strong Mexican opponent
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 10 May 2026Blood, Grit, and Iron: Zhu Outlasts Abne in a Cebu War
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 10 May 2026Tickets ON SALE NOW for Abdullah Mason-Joe Cordina at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
Sat, 09 May 2026IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia bags gold in ASEAN E-Sports chess qualifying round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 09 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 09 May 2026Fireworks Expected as Cebu's Arañas and Noynay Rumble for WBF Silver Belt
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 09 May 2026Keyshawn Davis: "Nahir Albright’s Going To Be the Fourth Guy I Stop in a Row!"
Sat, 09 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Cinco De Mayo, A Historic Celebration Of Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 08 May 2026Abne, Zhu Make Weight for IBF Eliminator in Cebu; Winner Fights Taduran
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 08 May 2026