Month: April 2020

Sadly, we share the news that Eddie Cotton, IBF Board Member and former professional boxing referee, passed away this morning April 17, 2020. According to his wife Ruby, Eddie was hospitalized 2 weeks ago with pneumonia. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the hospital.

Eddie’s career as a professional boxing referee started in Atlantic City, NJ in 1992 and it was quite a remarkable one. He refereed over 50 world title fights, some of the most notable bouts being Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota (2), Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson and George Foreman vs. Shannon Briggs. His last professional boxing match as a referee, Felix Sturm vs. Sam Soliman, was on May 31, 2014 in Germany. At that time, Eddie had just been elected as a new member of the IBF Board of Directors. 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. 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, and 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. He will be missed. Eddie is survived by his wife Ruby and his two children, Candace and Edward III.

In an effort to help our neighbors in need during these unprecedented times, the IBF has chosen to raise awareness and funds for The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. The Food Bank is a primary disaster relief responder in the State of New Jersey, and they are in the midst of a major relief effort to address the COVID-19 crisis. They are experiencing at least a 35 percent increase in need throughout the state as of today — and this number will likely increase, with low-income households being hit the hardest. The staggering economic impact of the pandemic will likely cause a dramatic increase in the need for food in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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