By: Sean Crose
If you were a boxing fan in the 1990s, you know who that man was. Indeed, even if you were NOT a boxing fan in the 1990s, chances are you already knew who the man was. Neat, bald and with the air of a training sergeant, referee Mills Lane is tough, fair and well-liked. The longtime boxing official passed away today at the age of 85, leaving the world of the ring with countless memories as well as a legacy and reputation that is literally hard to pass.
Perhaps best known for disqualifying Mike Tyson after “Iron Mike” bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997, Nevada native Lane has refereed countless notable fights in throughout many decades.
Ali-Foster, Holmes-Norton, Holyfield-Douglas, Holmes-Cooney and Whitaker-De La Hoya are just a few of the notable matches Lane has run during a career that spanned from 1962-1998 and included including 261 professional matches. . Originally from Georgia, Lane went on to become a Marine. In fact, it was in the Marines that Lane got himself into boxing, turned pro in 1961, and after being stopped in his debut he won 10 straight fights.
As a referee, however, Lane enjoyed his greatest success. He eventually became famous with his catchphrase, “Let’s get started!” which he will shout to the two warriors before the match begins. Those four words will also be used by Lane, appearing in clay form, on the MTV show Celebrity death match.
Perhaps surprising to some, Lane is also a man of the law. Earning a law degree in 1970, the future celebrity was unlikely to become a district attorney, before sitting behind the bench as a judge for Washoe County, Nevada. Sure enough, at the height of her career in 1998, Lane became the star of her own TV show, Judge Mills Lane, aired until 2001.
Follow The Reno Gazette Magazinethe famous introducer’s family has spent the past few days with Lane, watching some of his favorite movies, “including The Godfather, On the Riverbank, Patton, and Shane.” Lane, who magazine reported having suffered a stroke two decades ago, having family around him when he passed away from this world.
“He has deteriorated considerably in his general situation,” magazine quote Tommy Lane, Lane’s son. “It was a quick departure. He feels comfortable and surrounded by his family.”
Rest in peace.
