Former boxing promoter MICKEY DUFF, a distinctive figure in professional boxing for more than 50 years, died Saturday aged 84, "after a career in which he was closely associated with some of the most famous figures in the sport," including FRANK BRUNO, BARRY MCGUIGAN and MIKE TYSON, according to John Goodbody of the SUNDAY TIMES. As boxer, manager, matchmaker and promoter, Duff "was a colourful fixture at ringsides as he got the best deals for his fighters, for the boxing public and also for himself" (SUNDAY TIMES, 3/23). The PA reported Duff "is best remembered as a promoter," working alongside British world champions such as JOE CALZAGHE, JOHN CONTEH and ALAN MINTER. His fellow promoter BARRY HEARN led the tributes, tweeting, "Sorry to hear that Mickey Duff died today RIP Legendary promoter." A statement from STEPHEN POWELL on the London Ex-Boxers' Association website added, "The London Ex-Boxers Association offer their heartfelt condolences to the family of Mickey Duff, who very sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning. This truly is the end of a golden era in British Boxing, the mould has been broken, there will never be another 'true boxing man' like Mickey Duff" (PA, 3/22). The AP reported in '99, Duff was inducted into the Int'l Boxing Hall of Fame, which describes him as "one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished men in the history of the sport" (AP, 3/23).
