Joe Cortez

Joe Cortez is considered one of the best referees ever. Cortez was born in New York, and is the son of Puerto Rican parents. He had a great amateur boxing career and fought some pro fights. He started as a referee in the 80's in New York and New Jersey, then moved to Las Vegas to work for the Nevada Athletic Commission in 1992. There he officiated all the biggest names in the sport until he retired in September of 2012 after the Canelo Alvarez – Josesito Lopez bout. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. Check out our newest episode with Hall of Famer "Fair But Firm" Joe Cortez.