Longtime referee Mills Lane to receive James A. Farley Award from Boxing Writers Assocation

Mills Lane to be honored by boxing writers

NEW YORK — Longtime boxing referee Mills Lane will be honored with the James A. Farley Award by the Boxing Writers Assocation of America.

The award is given out periodically to those who exemplify “honesty and integrity” in boxing.

Lane boxed as an amateur and for a short time as a professional before becoming a referee. He was the third man in the ring for the rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, when Lane disqualified Tyson for biting off a piece of the champion’s ear.

Lane suffered a stroke in 2002 and is no longer active in the sport, although his two sons run Nevada-based “Let’s Get It On Promotions.” The company is named for Lane’s trademark phrase.

The award will be presented at the BWAA awards dinner on June 4 in New York.