Gary Shaw, a one-time boxing regulator who became a powerful promoter in the early part of the 21st century, died on Thursday at his home in Florida. He was 79.
Shaw, who promoted the 2002 heavyweight title fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson in Memphis, Tenn., had a heart attack in January, according to his friend of 50 years, Seymour Zivick. He never recovered and died on Thursday.
"Gary was a big personality," Zivick said. "He was very gruff in a lot of ways, but he had a big heart. He supported so many charities and did a lot for people who were sort of anonymous. He loved his family so much and he went out of his way to do anything for them."
In 1971, Shaw became an inspector for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. He served on the commission for nearly three decades, until becoming chief operating officer of Main Events in 1999. In 2001, he formed Gary Shaw Productions, and promoted some of the biggest fights of his time. In 2007, he brought MMA to network television when EliteXC debuted on CBS.
Among the fighters that Shaw promoted in addition to Lewis and Tyson were Hall of Famers Diego Corrales, Winky Wright and Shane Mosley. He brought the late Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson to national prominence when he put him on EliteXC show.
Boxing has lost a very dear person today. Gary Shaw has passed away. Our condolences go to Judy and the kids . I will always remember Gary with his unique smile, fun character and passion for boxing
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) April 11, 2024
Rest in peace my dear Gary
Shaw was creative as a promoter but was a fierce advocate for his boxers. He took them in as family and would battle on their behalf. But he was badly hurt when things when south between them business-wise.
"You talk about falling in love with the fighters, and he really, really did that," Zivick said. "It was always a big heartbreak to him because he cared for them so much."
Shaw is a member of state boxing Halls of Fame in California, Nevada and his home state of New Jersey.