BOXING referee Eddie Cotton has died at the age of 72 after suffering from coronavirus.
On Friday, the IBF confirmed their board member’s passing after he was taken to hospital with pneumonia.
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Lennox Lewis comfortably defeated Mike Tyson under Eddie Cotton’s watch in 2002
The referee retired in 2014 after 22 years on the pro circuit
Born in New Jersey, the first title fight of Cotton’s career came in 1995 between Eddie Hopson and Moises Pedroza.
The following year he disqualified Andrew Golota for repeated low blows against Riddick Bowe in a controversial rematch that ended in the same way the heavyweights’ first bout ended.
Cotton refereed George Foreman’s final win of his illustrious career, a split decision WBU title victory over Lou Savarese after the New Yorker was deducted a point by the official.
Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Gennady Golovkin would all fight under him before he retired in 2014.
Arguably the most famous fight Cotton oversaw was Lennox Lewis’ massive win over Mike Tyson in 2002.
Their eight-round affair was ended convincingly via knockout from British heavyweight Lewis.
Tributes have poured in from around the boxing world following Cotton’s successful 22-year career.
Legendary announcer Michael Buffer tweeted: “Eddie Cotton was a great referee! Always in command and control. I used to always introduce him as ‘BIG’ EDDIE COTTON! This COVID-19 has taken another one from our boxing community-I’m heartbroken! R.I.P. Big Eddie-Much Love.”
An IBF statement read: “Eddie was also involved with several organizations dedicated to youth boxing such as the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, YCS Foundation and the Lou Costello Sportsmen Club located in his hometown of Paterson, New Jersey.
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“Not only was he active in the boxing community, but along with his wife Ruby, both were very involved in their local community and their local government.
“Eddie Cotton was an asset on the IBF Board of Directors, and to the organization as a whole.
“He had a lot to offer. We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by his passing.
“He was a big guy with a big personality, and always positive. He gave back to his community and was appreciative of his peers in boxing.”
Boxing promoter Lou DiBella tweeted: “Sad news. Boxing has lost another good man to Covid-19.
“One of the most well known and respected referees in the world, Eddie Cotton was also one of the nicest people in our sport. Gutted for his wife and family. Prayers up.”
The WBA added: “The WBA sends its condolences to Cotton’s family at this difficult time and fondly remembers a great man who did a lot for the sport.”
Cotton is survived by his wife Ruby and their two children, Candace and Edward III.
David Haye praises Lennox Lewis as a ‘living legend’ and says he’s ‘one of the best ever to lace them up’
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
