Legendary Boxing Referee Hospitalized After Testing COVID-19 Positive – WBC President Sends His Prayers

Legendary boxing trainer Joe Cortez was hospitalized after he tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Joe Cortez is 75 and has had multiple health issues in the past. It’s quite unfortunate that Cortez tested COVID positive.

As boxing fans around the world come together for a healthy return of the former referee, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has also extended his prayers for a healthy recovery.

Joe Cortez is one of the most reputed figures in the sport. He has been part of some of the most memorable bouts in the history of boxing. People familiar with the sport know Cortez for his sharp acumen, and blunt approach, and currently serves as an Analyst for ESPN. The Puerto Rican referee announced his retirement back in September 2012 following Canelo Alvarez vs Josesito Lopez.

Cortez has also refereed several “Fight of the Year” bouts, with the most notable being Amir Khan vs Marcos Maidana back in 2010. Over 170 world title fights including Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya title bouts have been conducted under his tutelage inside the boxing ring.

The legend of Joe Cortez

Joe Cortez has appeared in multiple Hollywood projects. He played the role of a referee in the hugely successful film “Rocky Balboa.” He also started alongside Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson in the movie ‘I Spy.’ Cortez’s legacy will remain unparalleled for years to come.

Cortez had the pleasure and likewise to be inside the ring for some of the greatest boxing matches. He refereed the first title-matchup between Oscar De La Hoya and Julio César Chávez. Furthermore, he was inside the ring during Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe’s first championship bout.

Interestingly enough, Cortez was part of former UFC’s dual champion Conor McGregor’s training team. He refereed and assisted McGregor during sparring sessions in his hugely anticipated boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather.

He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. Needless to say, Joe Cortez will go down in history as one of the most pivotal figures in boxing history.

Boxing fans all over will wish him a healthy recovery and a healthier return. In this fight against coronavirus, everyone will extend their prayers to the legendary boxing referee Joe Cortez.