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International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356
HALL OF FAME FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF
FOR REFEREE MILLS LANE
CANASTOTA, NY DECEMBER 8, 2022 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of referee Mills Lane, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85.
“Legendary referee Mills Lane was one of the most respected members of the boxing community. With his iconic phrase ‘Let’s Get It On’ he made an indelible mark on the sport that will be remembered for generations to come,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame offers our condolences to the Lane family and joins the boxing world in mourning his passing.”
Born November 12, 1937 in Savannah, GA, Lane took up boxing in the U.S. Marine Corps before winning an NCAA boxing championship in 1960 at the University of Nevada at Reno. He turned pro and compiled a 10-1 record before retiring and turning his attention to refereeing in 1964. He earned a reputation as a no-nonsense referee known for his fairness, judgment and professionalism. In the late 1970s he coined his trademark pre-fight phrase, “Let’s Get It On” and it rapidly became a fan favorite. Lane was third man in the ring for such bouts as Norton vs. Holmes, Holmes vs. Cooney, Tyson vs. Berbick, Holyfield vs. Douglas, Bowe vs. Holyfield II and Holyfield vs. Tyson II. He retired from the ring in 1998 with over 100 title bouts to his credit.
In 2013, Lane was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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