Referee Joe Cortez in Las Vegas (Photo: Hustle Boss)
By Chris Robinson
In many ways, Joe Cortez is an unassuming man.
The famed referee, who coined the term “Fair but firm” during his officiating days, is somewhat of an icon in the boxing world due to all the memorable championship fights he officiated over the years, including bouts with the likes of Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Roberto Duran, and several others. Cortez is a low-key individual, however, and is never one to seek any extra attention when around the fight game.
Whenever he is asked to share a few thoughts on the sport, Cortez has also made time graciously.
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