Mike Tyson’s Son, UFC Star & Others Join Combat Sports World in Mourning Boxing Icon’s Saddening Loss at 85

UFC lightweight prospect Terrance McKinney joined many from the MMA world in mourning legendary boxing referee Mills Lane. The legendary boxing referee passed away during the early hours of December 6. He was 85 years old. Lane had suffered a stroke 20 years ago that ended his refereeing career and rendered him unable to speak. His son Tommy Lane told the Reno Gazette-Journal that his health had taken a significant decline recently. On Tuesday, the beloved boxing figure breathed his last at a hospital in Reno, Nevada.

Several members and media houses from the combat sports world mourned Lane. They took to social media to share messages of condolences to the beloved figure, who was a part of several memorable boxing moments.

UFC star Terrance McKinney and others react to Mills Lane’s passing

28-year-old McKinney was among the many combat sports personalities that reacted to the legendary referee’s passing. McKinney posted his message, calling Lane “the original no non sense ref.”

Leading MMA journalist, Kevin Iole, also spared a few words for the International Boxing Hall of Fame referee. He sent condolences to his family, calling Lane a ‘remarkable man.’ Iole also wrote an obituary for the Hall of Famer.

Robbie Fox of ‘Barstool Sports’ shared his condolences, calling him the “most legendary ref in boxing.” He also gave a shout-out to Lane’s iconic role in MTV’s Celebrity Deathmatch.

Several more personalities joined in celebrating the iconic figure, including prominent UFC referees, Marc Goddard and Mike Beltran.

Former WWE superstars, Ryback and The Iron Sheik also posted messages of condolence.

One of the most iconic moments of Lane’s career was the infamous Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield. Tyson chewed off his opponent’s ear and got subsequently disqualified.

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Tyson’s son Amir mourned the referee’s loss by posting a picture of the icon on his Instagram story.

A bird’s-eye view of Mills Lane’s career

Lane was a marine who won the 1960 NCAA welterweight boxing championship. He also competed in the Olympic trials in San Francisco that year and reached the semi-finals.

He turned pro while in college and won 10 consecutive bouts before retiring. Lane became a district court judge in Washoe after spending two terms as the district attorney. He also had a brief stint on a television show where he heard civil cases.

During his refereeing career, he officiated bouts of legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis, among others. His opened bouts with the catchphrase, “Let’s get it on!”, which became his signature.

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He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.