Boxing

I was the man that disqualified Mike Tyson and went on to become a TV star

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On this day in boxing history, we travel back to 2022 as we remember Mills Lane, who passed away at the age of 85.

A former boxer himself, Lane is best remembered as a referee. He officiated his first title fight in 1971 and his last in 1998. Despite an extensive body of work, he is the man who will always be remembered as the referee of Holyfield versus Tyson II - the infamous fight billed as the Sound and the Fury, but which afterwards came to be referred as The Bite Fight.

Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013, DAZN News looks at the career and life of Mills Lane.

1. His career as a boxer

Before stepping into the ring as a referee, Mills Lane was a formidable boxer.

Competing as a welterweight, he had a successful amateur career, winning an NCAA boxing championship while attending the University of Nevada, Reno.

He turned professional and fought 11 times, winning 10, six by knockout.

2. The bite fight

Mills Lane’s most famous moment came on 28 June 1997, when he refereed Evander Holyfield versus Mike Tyson II. The fight, initially billed as The Sound and the Fury, descended into chaos when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear — twice.

Lane made the controversial but correct decision to disqualify Tyson, cementing his reputation as a referee who could maintain control in the most heated situations.

The incident became a standout moment in sporting history, and it made Lane a household name.

Interestingly, the shirt he wore in the ring that night, covered in Holyfield's blood was bought on the night by an astute memorabilia collector.

Mills Lane JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images

3. More high-profile controversy: Lennox Lewis versus Henry Akinwande

Already no stranger to controversy, less than three weeks after the Bite Fight, Lane was back in action as he refereed the WBA heavyweight title bout between Lennox Lewis and Henry Akinwande.

Akinwande repeatedly held onto Lewis, and Lane ultimately disqualified him for excessive clinching. His decision was widely praised, as once again it highlighted his commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport, even when it meant making tough calls on the biggest stage.

4. Legal work

Lane’s career was not limited to the boxing ring. He earned a law degree from the University of Utah and served as a district attorney and later as a district court judge in Nevada.

His no-nonsense approach in the courtroom mirrored his demeanour in the ring, and he became a respected figure in the legal community.

His legal expertise also gave him a unique perspective when officiating high-profile fights.

5. Television career

Outside of boxing and the courtroom, Mills Lane became a pop culture icon. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he hosted the reality court show 'Judge Mills Lane', where his sharp wit and stern rulings entertained audiences.

He also lent his voice and likeness to the Claymation series Celebrity Deathmatch, where his catchphrase, “Let’s get it on!” became legendary.

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