"I'm Fair But Firm"...
 By Daniel Miltz, Doghouse Boxing (June 17, 2011) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © Tom Casino / SHOWTIME)
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Veteran Referee Joe Cortez along with fellow pledges Mike
Tyson, Sylvester Stallone, Julio Cesar Chavez and Kostya Tszyu are members of
this year’s International Boxing Hall Of Fame 2011 Class of inductees.
Cortez native of East Harlem, NY known for his "fair
but firm" send off, endowed the opening day pavilion crowd of around 150
in attendance, stories of his 'glory days of refereeing.'
One story in particular he provided for the astute boxing
addicts was when he refereed the Chavez vs. Haugen fight in front of 132,000
plus fans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico.
“It was the largest crowd in boxing history...and nobody was
cheering for Haugen," Cortez said. “Looking around, I saw Mexican police
with big shields and German Shepherd dogs."...Later, I was mumbling to
myself: "I hope nothing goeswrong with this fight tonight because these
guys are serious and mean business. It was one great experience."
During the query and reply phase of the ringside lecture,
fans asked about Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao fight.
Cortez replied: “That’s the fight boxing fans have been
waiting for, my prediction is that fight will take place sometime next year.”
Russell Mora, boxing referee from Nevada, journeyed to
Canastota for the very first time, to corroborate and bear witness for Joe
Cortez and revel in the moment. “I’ve been licensed for five years and all the
refs have been very empathetic, but Joe has given beyond everything expected.
It’s a great group of inductees. I’m very honored to be here,” Mora alleged.
The ringside pontification went very well and concluded with
renewed adoration for one of the best referees of this era.
Afterwards as you go on your way to another session of
boxing fellowship, you can see the autograph seekers patrolling the terrain for
that one special signature and photo flick from a boxing celeb. And this is the
common practice year after year on these hallowed grounds of the International
Boxing Hall of Fame.
... For more from Daniel... visit Miltz Boxing News at www.miltzboxingnews.com
Write for Doghouse Boxing: anthonyc1974@gmail.com.
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